Testimonials

Schools

“In response to the needs evident in our school, we sought a program that would provide a unified approach by staff that would lend itself to engaging parents. Fun Friends has been implemented with great success. Teachers find the program extremely well structured and the accompanying resource materials of excellent standard. The children are enthusiastic participants and often share personal responses that allow teachers far more insight and opportunity to address children’s personal needs. Each lesson is accompanied by excellent parent information sheets to encourage the parents to have their children practice their coping strategies and new understandings in the home environment. … Fun Friends has quickly become a crucial part of our Prep/Year 1 program…. The number of children experiencing school refusal and anxiety in Year 1 this year was considerably less than previously.”
Deputy Principal, Forest Lake State School

“The program appears to be concise yet powerful and complements our current school wide positive behaviour management strategies. I look forward to exploring implementation possibilities with our whole school staff.”
Principal, Mossman State School (North QLD)

“As a chaplain, I am often confronted with the difficulties that young people face, and I seek concrete ways to help them to cope. FRIENDS for Life is an outstanding course that assists me to give young people skills that can help them cope with anxiety throughout their schooling years and beyond. The Trust has made it affordable for schools to provide this course to students who might otherwise miss out…. I greatly appreciate the Trust’s prioritisation of students in rural schools. Working in four such schools, I am aware that there are often minimal social and emotional support services available. Accessing FRIENDS for Life at an achievable price has been fantastic.”
Chaplain, Laidley/Toowoomba region

“I am very grateful to the team at the Pathways to Resilience Trust who provided professional, high quality training… They have been diligent in following up with promised information, responding to request and efficient provision of ordered resources. They are available for ongoing support which helps ensure a quality program… Our parents and teachers are thankful for the assistance given to their children and the changes they see in their functioning. The new hope, confidence and acquired strategies make their world a better place and change their lives for the future.”
Guidance Officer, Warrigal Rd State School

Professional development program

“I wish I had this training when my own children were younger. I think the program will be very useful. I am glad I did the training and will definitely use the concepts from now on with children and myself.”
Admin staff member, Murri school (The Aboriginal and Islander Independent Community School), Acacia Ridge

“Many thanks for your friendly approach, your enthusiasm for the program and your ability to inspire and motivate me! Practical ideas were user-friendly, creative and easy to apply. The approach used was professional, creative and insightful. I am looking forward to using this program!..”.
Year 1 teacher Immaculate Heart Leichardt

“I found the presentation well prepared and well set-up, and very interesting. Extremely helpful. Thank-you. You are a great presenter.”
Teacher, Brisbane School of Distance Education

“I really enjoyed the session and found it both professionally and personally (as a mother) very interesting and useful. Thank you for a very good program – best I have been to all year! You were both very informative and helpful in activities too.”
Teacher, Brisbane School of Distance Education

“Lots of useful “tools” to have for life in general as well as for helping children in class. Jasmine did a great job.”
Teacher, Brisbane School of Distance Education

“Thanks Jasmine – very informative and some great hands on activities. Resources are great – particularly because you can make your own – not necessary to buy.”
Prep Teacher, Burrowes State School

“The program is fantastic. You presented it so well, you really engaged with us and you were really easy to listen to. I enjoyed it a lot. Thank you!”
Community Development worker, Communities for Children, Logan.

“Really enjoyed the training. Strategies practical and useful. Fits well with our programs. Already running Fun Friends in the community which is wonderful! Thanks Jasmine.”
Program Manager, Communities for Children, Logan.

Group sessions for children

“Over the last 4 years I have read many books and tried many techniques to assist my son. This is the first time that I have seen him change for the better before my eyes over the weeks. I am looking forward to the parent workshop so I will have the skills to continue to reinforce what he has learnt at home!”
Parent, FRIENDS for Life Child program Term 2 2009

“As a teacher working with students who have been identified with high social emotional needs, the Pathways to Resilience Trust are lifesavers. Because the program is free, it is accessible to all children from disadvantaged backgrounds that would not otherwise be able to afford the cost of working on a specialised program with a caring professional.”
Co-facilitating teacher, Brisbane School of Distance Education, Term 3 2008

“I was able to observe the changes in the students undertaking the program when the Pathways to Resilience Trust, with our teachers alongside them, facilitated the programs on site at the school. One young boy with high functioning autism with an engrained negative outlook was unable to engage in a positive way with the group in the first session. By the end of the FRIENDS program he was contributing his comments and stories and his whole affect and relationship with the group had changed.

He had developed into an optimistic person and his mother was able to report that many of his interactions at home had changed as well. The students on a weekly basis could report that they had attempted tasks that previously had frightened them and progressively became more capable and coping. Had it not been for the effort of the staff at the Trust, this opportunity would not have been available to these families.”
Co-facilitating teacher, Brisbane School of Distance Education, Term 3 2008

“Can you imagine how heart-wrenching it is to watch a little child – just in the early years of primary school – battling each day with severe anxiety. Stressing in ways that are unhealthy even in an adult and unable to cope with daily life. You as the parent feel so distressed for her you do not know how to help. You find out about a successful, world-recognised programme that can help your child – but you cannot afford it.

Imagine your gratitude when you discover your child is entitled to participate in this programme free of charge through the Pathways to resilience Trust. Imagine the joy of seeing this programme empower your child with coping skills. Giving her back the pleasures that belong to childhood. Turning her life around. Yes, the Pathways to Resilience Trust has been a life-saver for our family, and many, many others.”
Parent, FRIENDS for Life Child program Term 2 2009

Community

“Feedback from parents has been extremely positive indicating their children have displayed significant and sustained improvements in their resilience, ability to cope with difficult situations, demeanor and overall interactions with peers. Parents also compliment the Pathways Trust on providing the training and resources required to make such a vital program available for families in the Caboolture and Deception Bay areas as they often experience significant disadvantage.”
Manager, the Caboolture Early Years Centre