Thriving through Life’s Challenges
Recognized by World Health Organization
Confident, Positive Connections
Embracing Cultural Diversity

My FRIENDS Youth is a comprehensive curriculum, that empowers young people with the necessary tools to overcome life challenges, in positive ways. The skills learnt empower youth to deal with stressful situations by normalising the state of anxiety, and teaching self-regulation. It also helps develop self-confidence, and problem solving skills. My FRIENDS Youth is evidence-based, and has been proven to increase resilience, and decrease anxiety and depression.

The FRIENDS Acronym

To help participants remember the key concepts and bring structure to sessions, the program uses the FRIENDS acronym:

F

Feelings

Understand your feelings. Show empathy to others

R

Relax

Have quiet time. Focus on the present.

I

Inner
thoughts

Change unhelpful to helpful thinking.

E

Explore
solutions

Learn to find solutions to challenges. Think of consequences.

N

Now
rewards

Try your best and be happy with your efforts.

D

Do it every
day

Use your coping skills in challenging situations.

S

Stay
Strong

Share your skills with your family and community.

Nurturing Adolescent Development

Adolescence is a transition period in which new challenges such as higher study loads, peer pressure, friendship difficulties, and physical development are faced. As this can be a stressful and difficult time for many adolescents, My FRIENDS Youth empowers its participants with positive coping skills and resilience to navigate setbacks and transition successfully to senior high school.

Focus on Integrity and Positivity

The program encourages integrity to self and positivity in the face of peer pressure. This is crucial during this volatile stage of life. Participants learn to build positive relationships with others through:
  • Confidence and self-esteem
  • Brave and positive communication (both verbal and non-verbal)
  • Healthy, respectful interactions

Flexible Program Delivery

The program can be adapted to suit schools and families, as long as:
  • 1 Facilitators have first been trained in the program/s being delivered.
  • 2 The sequence and structure of the program/s is followed.
  • 3 Each participant receives his or her own private book, which can be used to review the skills practiced, during delivery of the programs. For example, at home with parents, carers, siblings or extended family.

Delivery Mode Options

The following modes of delivery can be adapted to suit participants and the school curriculum, each equally effective.
  • 1.5 hour weekly sessions over a single school term (preferably term 2 or 3)
  • 45 minutes weekly sessions over the course of 2 school terms (preferably terms 2 and 3);
  • 15 minutes daily sessions (after morning tea), where the same activity is repeated daily for a few weeks, using new examples until the skills become second nature;
  • School holiday programs (2 hours across 5 days)
  • Weekend intensives - over 2-3 full days

Become a licensed partner

If you would like to become a Licensed Partner or for any other enquiry, please contact us: licensing@friendsresilience.org
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