Become a Trained Companion
Companions are trained facilitators who support small groups through change, loss, and grief using structured activities and discussion. Companions may include teachers, school staff, social workers, counsellors, pastoral care workers, youth workers, volunteers, and community leaders.
Training includes
- Safe and effective programme delivery
- Skills to support emotional wellbeing and resilience
- Creating supportive environments for reflection and growth
- Bicultural Support
Te Oati
Te Oati is a bicultural dimension of the Seasons for Growth programme in Aotearoa. It supports Māori tamariki and rangatahi by using a Māori worldview to guide healing and growth. The programme follows a journey through Te Kore (sense of nothingness and loss), Te Pō (the darkness and challenges experienced through life transitions) and Te Ao Mārama (emerging into light, hope, and restoration).
In Te Oati, Companions enter the realm of Tāne-nui-a-Rangi, guardian of the ngahere (forest), where the natural world nurtures, shelters, and sustains participants on their journey of recovery and restoration. This dimension enriches the Seasons for Growth programme by integrating cultural knowledge, spiritual guidance, and emotional support for Māori children, young people, and their whānau.
Accreditation requirements
- Attend a training workshop (online or in person)
- Deliver your first programme within 12 months
- Complete accreditation activities, including feedback and reflection
Why train?
- Build capacity in your school or community
- Support people experiencing change, loss, and grief
- Join a network of trained Companions across Wellington and Aotearoa
Cost
- Training fees vary by programme and include ongoing support.
Stormbirds Surge Training
Stormbirds supports children and young people aged 6–14 following natural disasters or major community events where structured support may be needed to aid recovery. Delivered in schools and community settings, Stormbirds offers:
- Safe spaces to share experiences
- Emotional regulation tools
- Peer connection during recovery
- Practical coping strategies
To train in Stormbirds, you must already be a Seasons for Growth Children and Young People Companion. Completing an expression of interest allows us to contact you for just-in-time training after a local natural disaster so you can step into schools and facilitate the programme when support is needed most.
Upcoming Training Opportunities
If you’re interested in becoming a companion and bringing the programme to your community, register for a training below:
Children and Young People Programme Training
Dates: June 16th & 17th VIRTUAL August 13th & 14th Face-To-Face
Cost: $300 (excluding GST) + $25 Subvention fee (for new companions only) + Resources:
- Primary School Pack: $135 (includes: L1-3 Manual, Te Oati Bicultural Resource, L1, 2 & 3 Journals)
- Secondary School Pack: $117 (includes: L4 Manual, Te Oati Bicultural Resource & L4 Journal)
- Combined Primary & Secondary School Pack: $237
Adult Programme Training
Dates: May 21st & 22nd VIRTUAL July 13th & 14th Face-to-Face
Cost: $300 (excluding GST) + $21.25 Subvention fee (for new trainees only) + $102 for Resources + postage
Parent Programme Training
Companions are required to complete the Children and Young People’s programme training workshop before undertaking the Parent programme training.
Dates: Register your interest below.
Cost: $180 (excluding GST) + $121.74 for Resources
Stormbirds Programme Training
Dates: Surge List Training (as required). Register your interest below.
Cost: $180 (excluding GST) + $73.91 for Resources