Community
13 December, 2024
An illuminating time for teenagers
TEENAGERS have been able to find what’s important to them in a safe environment thanks to a six-week program which wrapped up on Monday.
Illuminate U began in August, offering creative outlets for attendees to learn what’s important to them, how to manage difficult emotions, what their goals are, and what their strengths are.
The Corner Therapy Hub mental health social worker Sally Wood said the program is based on acceptance and commitment therapy, which encourages acceptance of emotions and goals while making committed actions to better respond to various situations.
“It’s about identifying what beliefs serve you, and those that aren’t helping, and figuring out how to move towards those so you can achieve your goals,” she said.
“Illuminate U is a six-week program that was based on acceptance and commitment therapy, and uses creative techniques – we used a lot of art, we’ve used sand trays, we’ve done a lot of quizzes – to help 15-18-year-olds figure out what they want in life, how they can manage difficult emotions, how they can move towards their goals in life, and what’s really important to them.”
The program also included guest speakers talking about various subjects of interest, including representative from Infinite Health Co speaking about nutrition and fitness, an accountant from Sinnotts Accountants who spoke about money and accounting, and a third guest speaker who spoke about executive functioning and how attendees could hone their study skills to achieve their goals.
Ms Wood said while the group was small at four, there was 100 per cent attendance at each session.
“It’s always a little bit more difficult when I’m pitching to 15-18-year-olds because not only is there more social issues with joining in, but there can be a lot of anxiety with coming to a group which a lot of kids think is creative,” she said.
“It doesn’t matter whether you have any art skills or whether you have no talent at all – it’s about connecting with other peers and figuring what it is that you want and being along for the ride really.
“There are also problems with 15-18-year-olds working and afterschool activities such as sport.
“The kids that have been here have really enjoyed it, but we are hoping to get more numbers for the next group.”
Illuminate U saw a predominately male response despite being an open program, but plans have been made for an additional two programs – a second mixed gender program, and a program specifically targeting boys.
“I think what has been a really lovely outcome is that the boys have just really loved connecting, playing games and having fun,” Ms Wood said.
“It’s actually provided a really nice space where kids can actually spend time, for 75 minutes, hanging out in a structured environment as opposed to simply going down the street and getting a drink or something to eat.
“It’s purposeful, and it’s been really lovely seeing them going back to a more child-like state where they’re having fun playing games and engaging with each other in an offline environment.”
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