THE CHANGING FAMILIES PROJECT
INFORMATION FOR CHILDREN

Changing Families helps children and young people who are going through family problems because parents are unhappy and want to split up.

Changing Families Project runs a course in some schools where you can meet up with children who are also experiencing problems because of trouble at home.
The Changing Families course lets you talk about the problems faced by children by inventing a fictional family and looking at the issues they face.
You also have some fun activities and learn how to cope with common problems.

You learn breathing and relaxation techniques.
Try our visualisation! Why not make up your own and send it to Nina.

Sometimes Year 12 pupils from you local schools who have been through the Changing Families Project will work with you.

At the end of the 12 week course you produce a story which is printed in a magazine so it can be shared by other children.
 

Children who have been through the course have come up with some advice. Here are their Top Tips:

Young People's Advice to other Youngsters

'Find someone you can confide in if you are worried and upset - talking helps try not to play one parent off against the other make it plain you are not going to be a go between carrying messages'

'If your parents have a row don't get involved. Go round to see a friend up to your room and play music.'

'Talk to your best friend about your worries. You may feel like shutting yourself off but they will understand if you talk to them.'

'If you have nobody to trust ring Childline and talk to them.'

'If mum or Dad has a new partner, try to get along with them.'

'Above all try to live life to the full and make sure you get out and about with your friends.'

What Young people say about Changing Families

'It was fun. It helped me and calmed me down.'

'Changing Families has helped me - I can now talk to my parents about the divorce without crying.'

'It is important to know that your Mum or Dad still loves you.'

'I look forward to Changing Families each week. I never used to have friends but I have got friends in the group who really understand what I have been through and I can trust them.'

'It helped me understand what my Mum has been through and I get on much better with my Step-dad'

'I really liked all the Drama. The activities were really good too. You could forget all your problems and enjoy yourself'

'Every school should have Changing Families. Not just one but have it running all the time because there are so many kids like me that get into trouble because they are angry all the time and people don't understand'

'Helping other people has helped me sort myself out. I understand why I was so unhappy and angry and it wasn't really my Mum's fault, I just thought it was.'

Download    Tor Bridge Academy Story - pdf        Prince Rock Story - pdf         Storyboard - pdf

Mentors

Year 12 students who have been through family changes do the course, and also learn about working with younger pupils and the theories behind it. They then go on to work in a local primary school.

'The Changing Families Project has improved my confidence in working with children and I now find it easier to explain my thoughts and feelings.'

What do I do if Changing Families does not take place in my school?

You can ask your teacher if is possible to get in touch with Changing Families to arrange for them to come into your school.

There are some useful websites which you might find helpful. (Contacts Page)