A school-based early intervention programme for young people that enhances connectedness and supports students through change

Adolescence is a challenging time involving change, loss and transition Opportunities for growth Without support and skills young people can feel distressed Possible increase in incidence of mental health concerns

The World Health Organisation’s four level whole school approach to school change

School-based early intervention programme Participants: coping with change, transition, loss AND early signs of emotional distress Focus: develop coping skills and resources

The use of metaphor – life is a journey Promoting wellness Meaning making Thinking/Cognitive strategies Coping Social support

Life is a Journey Sometimes the path can be more challenging than at other times Our self esteem is our belief in our own self worth Trust your feelings - it’s OK to feel Expressing yourself is healthy It’s natural to find change stressful

The way I think affects how I feel Challenging unhelpful thoughts can help me feel better Sometimes I can change things and sometimes I can’t BUT I can change the way I think about things Fun and Laughter help reduce stress Relaxation re-energises Travelling well on day trips and life journeys deserves rewards

Everyone needs support at times Support can be practical and/or emotional Challenges in life can help us grow There are strategies I can use to do life 7. 8.

Participants Number of events with a major impact Score on Weinberger Adjustment Inventory-Subjective Experience of Distress scale (short form) Do you feel good about yourself most of the time? Number of schools attended High Group Medium Group More than one medium risk factor Only one medium risk factor Total No Yes <

“We are trying to open our hearts to each other, let us solve the common problem together, its great. “

“I enjoyed it and now I feel a lot more confident thanks to my group in TRAVELLERS”

“It was great to be here and I can like myself more. Thank you :)”

Skylight has the world rights to Travellers International education systems/agencies need a Territorial License from Skylight to run the programme. Skylight provides full training and ongoing support Travellers is currently running in Denmark under license to Skylight.

Currently 78 schools throughout New Zealand have the capacity to run Travellers. Over students have completed the Questionnaire.

Current Travellers Schools

In 2009 the programme will be rolled out in : South/Mid Canterbury West Coast South Island East Coast North Island Manawatu/Horowhenua Hawkes Bay/Wairarapa Wellington

Providing on-going support for existing schools Evaluate the existing programme Redevelopment of Programme- Updating the resources and activities.

Skylight Freephone: Travellers DD: Fax: Visit us on the web at: