Empowering YOUth Program (Katherine)
Coming together & celebrating our diversity
During this session we will focus on getting to know each other and explore our ways of working together to make the program safe, fun and enjoyable for all. We will celebrate the differences and similarities within our group as a starting point to explore the concept of ‘diversity’ and why it makes our world a better place to live in. We will find out what it means to be a ‘peer’ and how accessing ‘peer support’ by connecting with others who also have diverse abilities is both strengthening and empowering. The program will end with some creative activities which explore who we are and what makes up our identity.
Creating our own planet
This session is an imaginative and creative exploration of everything that is important to us through the creation of our very own planet. If there were no limits and you had infinite abilities, what kind of planet would you create to live on? The ‘create your own planet’ activity is designed to creatively explore: our likes/dislikes; what’s meaningful and important to us; what we do to enjoy ourselves; what we do to cope when we have had a bad day; and the people and places that are important to us.
Feeling good & living well
During this session we will learn about mental health and wellbeing. This will include: ways of thinking that are helpful (and unhelpful); what we can do to improve wellbeing; how to know if we are not coping; and who to go to for support. We will also learn about our rights, how to speak up for ourselves and find support when we need it to make sure our rights are upheld.
Celebrating our achievements
In the final session, we will reflect on our time together, what we have learned about each other and the benefits of being part of a diverse community. This session will be a celebration of our strengths and everything we have achieved.
