Training and Professional Development
Training is a necessary and important step in the process of implementing the FRIENDS programs into your school or community.
Schools, community service providers, and individuals working with children in disadvantaged communities are able to access our professional training, programs and support, provided they meet one or more of the following criteria:
• Low socioeconomic status
• Culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Indigenous communities
• Rural, remote or drought affected areas
The Board of Trustees will assess each applicant’s eligibility based on these criteria. Please contact us if you are not sure of your eligibility, or see who we’ve helped so far.
Who is the training suitable for?
The training is suitable for teachers, teacher aides, principals, school administrative staff, learning support and special education staff, guidance officers, chaplains, student teachers, counsellors, social workers, childcare workers, community workers, mental health professionals, occupational therapists, disability/support workers, community members, and elders.
What does the training workshop cover?
The training workshop combines theory and practical ideas in an interactive format. The topics covered include:
• Recognising warning signs of anxiety and depression
• Understanding risk and protective factors in human development
• The importance of prevention and resilience programs
• How to implement the Fun Friends/FRIENDS Programs
• Practical activity ideas to enhance children’s social-emotional skills
• How to run parent workshops and support families in using the programs at home
Both of our trainers have a background in psychology, and extensive experience with the FRIENDS programs.
All participants become certified facilitators of the programs on completion of the training workshop, and will receive access to our online resources database.
What costs are involved?
All training provided by the Pathways to Resilience Trust is free-of-charge, however, to begin implementing the programs there is a small cost involved in purchasing facilitator manuals and workbooks for children. These are very affordable, as the publishers have offered a generous discount for schools and organisations who receive their training through the Trust.
Please contact us for a price list. It may be possible for you to apply for grants to cover the costs of workbooks. Some schools choose to include the workbooks on the student booklist for each family to purchase.
See how you can help us if you would like to assist us in purchasing workbooks for the children and families we reach.
The Trust is not currently able to pay for teacher release or catering on training days.
Please see training options to find out more about our professional development program.
** Important note to schools/organisations in rural and remote Queensland **
As we have recently been granted funds from Talbot Family Foundation and Tim Fairfax Family Foundation, we have been able to provide on-line trainings and all resources completely free of charge for schools/organisations that meet our criteria. Contact us for further information!
