Overview
Alignment with Be You Domains
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Mentally Healthy Communities
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Learning Resilience
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Early Support
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Responding Together
Alignment with Australian Curriculum
- Health and PE
Target audience
- Primary school
- Secondary school
Target groups
- Small group
Aims
Stormbirds aims to support the recovery of children and young people by providing a safe learning environment for them to learn the skills and attitudes required to understand and respond well to natural disasters; acknowledge their experience, understand their feelings and recognise they’re not alone; understand their feelings and other behavioural actions are normal; develop skills for coping, making positive choices, goal setting and decision making; build a peer support network and feel a sense of belonging and connection; restore self-confidence and self-esteem.Program theory
Stormbirds is grounded in J. William Worden’s theory of grief, the principles of recognition and wellbeing, and childhood studies.Topics
Stormbirds explores a range of topics including learning how different people respond to change, loss and grief: understanding that it’s normal to experience a range of grief reactions; exploring new approaches to dealing with change, loss and grief; building communication, decision making and problem-solving skills: integrating their new learning into relationships with family, friends and others.Cost
Program structure
Stormbirds is offered to children and young people 3 to 12 months following a natural disaster. It's a small group program of 4 to 7 participants and not designed for one-on-one counselling or large groups. The program’s run over 4 formal sessions (in-person, 60 minutes each), plus a celebration and optional reconnector sessions. Facilitated by a trained Companion and tailored to participant age: Level 1 (ages 6 to 10 years). Level 2 (10 to 14 years).Instructor
- External facilitator
- Psychologist
- Educator
- Wellbeing leader
Instructor training
Program facilitators are required to attend a one-day (approx. 6 hours) training (online or face-to-face) to become certified Stormbirds Companions.Supporting resources or materials available with program
- Manual
- Online webinars
- Workbook
Ongoing support
Companion helpline: 1300 379 569 Companion program support email: companionsupport.seasons@mackillop.org.au Free Online Companion Community of Practice: https://www.mackillopseasons.org.au/events-list/event-details/?id=0ff8ae14-0621-ee11-9966-002248e41664 Free online regular Companion Professional Learning: https://www.mackillopseasons.org.au/events-list/event-details/?id=32871313-8220-ee11-9966-002248e415b4Parent involvement
- Attend information sessions
- Follow-up information provided after program
- Written information provided to parents
- Online resources
Origin of program
Australia
Mackillop Family Services - Mackillop Seasons
Program authors
Professor Anne Graham, Melinda Phillips
- 14 Rodborough Road, Unit 11,Frenchs Forest NSW 2086 Australia
Ratings
Summary of evidence factors
This is a summary of the evaluation or research study characteristics that contribute to the program’s evidence rating.
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Positive impact on at least one outcome for children and/or young people?
The study reported positive outcomes. |
Yes |
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Link between program description and theory of change
Theory of change refers to whether there was a comprehensive description and illustration of how and why a desired change is expected to happen in a particular context. |
Some links |
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Study design
Type of study design reported. |
Pre-post cohort |
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Independence
The degree to which the program authors were involved in the research. |
None |
Summary of implementation factors
This is a summary of the program’s characteristics that contribute to its implementation rating.
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Feedback sought from participants
Participants enjoyed the program and understood its benefits. |
No |
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Feedback sought from instructors
Instructors enjoyed the program and understood its benefits. |
No |
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Groups program is not suitable for
Groups the program wouldn't be suitable for or that required further research to determine suitability. |
Not assessed |
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Training provided during study
The model of training provided. |
Face to face, all instructors, online |
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Ongoing instructor support provided during study
Whether ongoing support is provided. |
Yes |
Context
This is a summary of the context in which the evidence for the program was established.
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Study Participants
Pre school, primary school (Foundation to Year 6), secondary school (Years 7 to 12). |
Primary school Secondary school |
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Country of Study/s
The location in which the evidence or research was conducted. |
Australia |
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Location of Study/s in Australia
The state (or states) the program was assessed in Australia. |
VIC NSW QLD |
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Evaluation of program in culturally and linguistically diverse populations
Provider has included culturally and linguistically diverse people when assessing the program. |
No |
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Evaluation of program in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people
Provider has included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples when assessing the program. |
No |
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Evaluation of program in low socioeconomic groups
Program has evaluated a diverse socio-economic population in their research. |
No |
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Developmental based adaptations to program design and delivery
Shorter sessions for younger students or activities are adjusted for age appropriateness. |
No |
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Evaluation of program in children and young people with disability and/or learning difference
Provider has included participants with a disability or learning difference when assessing the program. |
Yes |
Last updated: 26 November 2025