The FRIENDS Programme
LINK TO FRIENDS WEBSITE
Session 1
Introduction to the group and rationale:
· Getting to know one another
· Working in groups
· Understanding and accepting our similarities and differences
· Setting goals
· Identifying happy experiences (ongoing)
Session 2:
Introduction to feelings:
Step 1 of FRIENDS plan:
F = Feelings
· Recognising and responding to our own and other people’s feelings (self-awareness and empathy)
· All feelings are okay, it’s what we do with them that counts
· Importance of showing our feelings
Session 3:
Introduction to body clues and relaxation:
Step 2 of FRIENDS plan:
R = Remember to Relax
· Listening to our body’s clues to understand feelings
· Exploring methods of relaxation – progressive muscle relaxation, deep-breathing, feel good activities
· The importance of rest and quiet time
· How to feel good and help others
Session 4
Attention Training and Helpful (green)/unhelpful (red) thoughts:
Step 3 of FRIENDS plan: I = I can try my best!
· Training to focus attention on positive aspects of situations
· Understanding how thoughts affect our feelings and behaviour
· Identifying unhelpful and helpful thoughts
Session 5:
Changing unhelpful thoughts into helpful thoughts:
· Challenging/replacing unhelpful thoughts
· Thinking in positive, helpful ways
Session 6:
Introduction to coping step plans:
Step 4 of FRIENDS plan: E = Explore step plans
· Exploring ways to cope with difficult or challenging situations
· Practice using coping step plans (breaking down a challenging task/situation into smaller, more manageable steps
Session 7:
Learning from our role models and building support teams:
· Understanding the importance of role models and support teams in helping us overcome challenges
· Establishing personal role models and support teams
· Being part of someone else’s support team
· Understanding the qualities of a true friend
Session 8:
Using a problem-solving plan
• Practising the 5-step plan for solving problems
• Learning to brainstorm solutions and consider long-term consequences
Session 9:
Step 5 of FRIENDS plan: N = Now reward yourself
• Practicing our praising
• Thinking like a winner
D = Do it everyday
S = Stay calm and talk to your supports
· Coaching companions
Session 10:
Review and celebration!
· Preparing for future challenges
· Remembering the FRIENDS plan
· Sharing ‘positives’
· Present certificates and rewards
· End of program party!!
Session 1
Introduction to the group and rationale:
· Getting to know one another
· Working in groups
· Understanding and accepting our similarities and differences
· Setting goals
· Identifying happy experiences (ongoing)
Session 2:
Introduction to feelings:
Step 1 of FRIENDS plan:
F = Feelings
· Recognising and responding to our own and other people’s feelings (self-awareness and empathy)
· All feelings are okay, it’s what we do with them that counts
· Importance of showing our feelings
Session 3:
Introduction to body clues and relaxation:
Step 2 of FRIENDS plan:
R = Remember to Relax
· Listening to our body’s clues to understand feelings
· Exploring methods of relaxation – progressive muscle relaxation, deep-breathing, feel good activities
· The importance of rest and quiet time
· How to feel good and help others
Session 4
Attention Training and Helpful (green)/unhelpful (red) thoughts:
Step 3 of FRIENDS plan: I = I can try my best!
· Training to focus attention on positive aspects of situations
· Understanding how thoughts affect our feelings and behaviour
· Identifying unhelpful and helpful thoughts
Session 5:
Changing unhelpful thoughts into helpful thoughts:
· Challenging/replacing unhelpful thoughts
· Thinking in positive, helpful ways
Session 6:
Introduction to coping step plans:
Step 4 of FRIENDS plan: E = Explore step plans
· Exploring ways to cope with difficult or challenging situations
· Practice using coping step plans (breaking down a challenging task/situation into smaller, more manageable steps
Session 7:
Learning from our role models and building support teams:
· Understanding the importance of role models and support teams in helping us overcome challenges
· Establishing personal role models and support teams
· Being part of someone else’s support team
· Understanding the qualities of a true friend
Session 8:
Using a problem-solving plan
• Practising the 5-step plan for solving problems
• Learning to brainstorm solutions and consider long-term consequences
Session 9:
Step 5 of FRIENDS plan: N = Now reward yourself
• Practicing our praising
• Thinking like a winner
D = Do it everyday
S = Stay calm and talk to your supports
· Coaching companions
Session 10:
Review and celebration!
· Preparing for future challenges
· Remembering the FRIENDS plan
· Sharing ‘positives’
· Present certificates and rewards
· End of program party!!