The GAIN Family Programme has a unique focus - the bringing together of parents and youth in a shared learning environment. To our knowledge it remains the only programme in this country where these two groups come together in the same forum. GAIN is not a parenting programme, nor a programme for ‘problem youth’; neither is it family counselling. It is an educational programme designed to offer skills and ideas about communicating, decision-making and problem-solving while respecting everyone's view and input. It provides an opportunity to families to learn and experiment with new skills and ideas in a supportive environment before using them at home, school and work.
Because of its unique focus, we require that at least one parent/caregiver and one young person from each family to attend with a commitment to the whole five weeks period. It is often best if the whole family attends, that is, parents/caregivers and all siblings between 12-16 years of age. This gives the whole family ownership of the information, not just parents. Sessions are run in a friendly, informal way and activities are structured to make learning interactive and fun. Between 14-30 people attend each programme, with a minimum of six families. Two facilitators run the programme and provide resources and a generous supper each session. Each young person and each parent/couple receives a comphrehensive GAIN manual. Funding from the Christchurch City Council enables us to offer this highly subsidised course for the low cost of $25 - $35 per family (ie: $5 - $7 per family per night).
. Over the five sessions a range of topics are covered, which include:
- communication
- decision-making
- problem-solving
- rules, consequences and choices
- areas of authority
- dealing with pressure
- building self-esteem in families
- making healthy choices
- alcohol and drug awareness
Most families are self-referred although many come at the recommendation of a friend or counsellor/agency. Parents or young people who think this programme might interest them are encouraged to ring the manager. All enquiries will be treated confidentially.