Stormbirds Program

What is Stormbirds?

Stormbirds is a small group education program that supports the recovery of children and young people in response to change, loss and uncertainty that often results from natural disasters. These events include storms, floods, bushfires, earthquakes, droughts, cyclones, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis.

Stormbirds is generally offered to children and young people 3-12 months following a natural disaster. It provides an opportunity for children and young people to learn the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to understand and respond well to such experiences. The program is called ‘Stormbirds’ after a bird of the same name (also known as the eastern koel).

What are the learning outcomes for children and young people?

Specifically, Stormbirds provides a safe learning environment for children and young people to:

• Acknowledge their experiences and recognise they are ‘not the only one’
• Understand that their feelings and other behavioural reactions are normal
• Develop skills for coping, positive choices, goal-setting and decision making
• Build a peer support network and a felt sense of belonging and connection
• Help restore self-confidence, self-esteem and self-respect

How is the Stormbirds program delivered?

Trained facilitators known as ‘Companions’ deliver the program for small groups of 4-7 children and young people aged 6-14 years. The peer learning process creates a safe space for children and young people to practice new ways of thinking and responding to the change and loss that has occurred in their lives as a result of the natural disaster.

Stormbirds has two age-appropriate levels:

• Level 1 (ages 6-10 years)
• Level 2 (ages 11-14 years)

The program includes four formal sessions (60 minutes per session); one celebration session; and one optional reconnector session where participants can meet again to review their learning and discuss any issues that may have arisen since they completed the program. Each participant is provided with an activity journal to explore and complete throughout their Stormbirds journey.

The small group program is not designed to be used in one-on-one counselling, or as a large group program.

What do I need to deliver the Stormbirds program?

How is the Stormbirds program delivered?

Companions trained in the program are often professionals such as teachers, social workers, counsellors, psychologists, mental health workers, chaplains or those working in pastoral care.

Companions attend five hours of training which involves engaging with the evidence and theoretical foundations underpinning the program; and exploring the program content via an ‘inside out’ approach that immerses Companions in the key learning outcomes and activities. Trained Companions are supported with a comprehensive set of materials including manuals and participant journals and access to an online portal, communities of practice and professional development and support.

What are the steps to implement Stormbirds?

To facilitate a Stormbirds small group program, you must first attend our training. The following steps provide a guide to implementing the program in your community. Our team will support you along your Stormbirds journey.

Stories and Outcomes

All Stories and Outcomes