Friendship In Action is committed to supporting youth mental health through a variety of participatory programs.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have expanded programming to include groups for adults as well as youth. FIA believes in the ethos that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ by recognizing those who are responsible for the children we usually work with. Supporting parents & caregivers as they navigate the realities and emotions of the COVID-19 pandemic, will ultimately support the children.
What we do
Our programs have been adapted to accommodate the present conditions and restraints of COVID-19 using virtual platforms.
Our peer-support program Kids Helping Kids Manage Stress runs in collaboration with public and independent schools. It’s designed to help youth identify and share feelings, experiences, and anxieties within small, safe peer groups using the power of ‘TLC’ - Talk, Listen and Connect – to build trust, empathy, and support for each other.
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Youth Programs - This summer, Strong Minds Strong Kids, Psychology Canada and Friendship in Action partnered and delivered a virtual summer program: Stress Busters Summer Camp. This program was built to support the stress management and well-being of children ages 8-12 and ran from July 6 until August 26, 2021. and was very successful!
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Adult Programs - Programs for adults provide an opportunity to share concerns, and experiences in a confidential, safe and brave virtual space.
Why we do it
Stress doesn’t discriminate, none of us is immune from the strains and pressures of everyday life.
FIA is committed to helping youth and those who work with them, find ways to express what they’re experiencing by connecting with peers in a positive environment. We believe our programs help participants feel validated, supported, and more likely to recognize various options for improved mental health.
How we do it
Friendship In Action provides a confidential, safe facilitated space, either in person or on a virtual platform.
Small groups (min. 6, max. 10) come together to talk, listen and connect on a weekly basis.
Our trained and enthusiastic facilitators help each group form by establishing norms set by the participants, encouraging active listening and sharing while ensuring the space created is a safe, confidential and inviting environment for all to contribute at their own level of comfort.
Parent and Teacher groups are invited to participate and are organized through the FIA office. We encourage anyone interested in being involved to contact us at office@friendshipinaction.com for further information.
Who we are
FIA facilitators come from varied professional backgrounds: former or currently licensed teachers, family advocates, facilitators, and mediators. All come with a deep experience working with youth and their caregivers and many with training as youth crisis responders. Facilitators all receive direct training in the guiding of groups from Friendship In Action and have received clearance to work with youth from Toronto Police Services.
Read what people are saying about our program.
WHAT WE DO
Our peer-support program Kids Helping Kids Manage Stress (KHMS) runs in collaboration with public and independent schools. It’s designed to help youth identify and share feelings, experiences and anxieties within small, safe peer groups using the power of ‘TLC’ - Talk, Listen and Connect – to build trust, empathy and support for each other.
Programming typically runs in a series of 8 sessions with options around participation e.g. full class or self-selected.
Small groups (min. 6, max. 12) come together to talk, listen and connect and usually run on a weekly basis.
Grade levels currently range from grades 4 – 12.
SCHOOL PROGRAMS
This summer, Strong Minds Strong Kids, Psychology Canada and Friendship in Action partnered and delivered a virtual summer program: Stress Busters Summer Camp. This program was built to support the stress management and well-being of children age 8-12 and ran from July 6th until August 26. and was very successful!
POST-SECONDARY SCHOOL
PROGRAMS
Online groups for moms, dads, and post-secondary students.
For current available groups, Click Here!
FIA believes in the ethos that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ by recognizing those who are responsible for the children we usually work with.
Supporting parents & caregivers to navigate the realities and emotions of the COVID-19 pandemic, will ultimately support the children.
Small online groups (min. 6 – max. 10) are facilitated by FIA-trained team members to provide a safe, confidential space to come together to speak about what you are feeling and experiencing, share similar challenges and support each other in whatever way possible.
For more information please email: office@friendshipinaction.com
Stay tuned for more information on the next women's and men's groups.
ADULT PROGRAMS
Thanks to the generous donations of our backers, discounted fees or sponsorships are available for schools serving populations of socioeconomically disadvantaged youth.
Schools:
An 8-week series of one-hour sessions for schools, as well as the initial introductory classroom visits, costs $1500. These include in-person or virtual sessions depending on the current situation.
Adult Sessions:
Details to be announced.
Post-Secondary School Sessions:
The post-secondary school sessions are offered free of charge.
Contact us at office@friendshipinaction.com for more information.
COSTS
To register, please click the links below:
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Women's group >> Register here
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Men's group >> Register here
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Post Secondary group >> Register here