Social isolation and loneliness are associated with physical and mental health problems including depression, anxiety and risky alcohol/drug use. The Peers for Success Clubs are social skills programs for young people who are interested in making and keeping friends, and handling conflict and reducing rejection.
The PEERS Clubs for friendships and relationships include:
- PEERS for Preschoolers (adapted version whilst waiting for UCLA to release their research and program; for 3-5 year olds)
- Super-friends Club (UCLA’s evidence-based Children’s Friendship Training for 6-12 year olds)
- Social Detective Club (Social Thinking Methodology and Zones of Regulation for 6-12 year olds)
- PEERS for Adolescents (UCLA’s evidence-based 14 session program with a bonus session for 13-17 year olds)
- PEERS for Young Adults (UCLA’s evidence-based 16 session program with a bonus session for 18-35 year olds)
- Special Interests Clubs (practice social skills with peers who share common interests, ie art, photography, etc).
Sessions vary in duration from 1 to 1.5 hours. PEERS for Preschoolers, PEERS for Adolescents and PEERS for Young Adults require the involvement of a Social Coach (ie parent/carer/mentor) to attend at least part of the sessions with the young person.
The programs involve fun activities to be completed between sessions to practice the skills learnt.
Skills are taught through interactive content, role play demonstrations (including puppets and figurines for younger kids) and socialisation activities.
Learn about:
- Developing and maintaining friendships
- Using social media and online platforms (for teens and young adults)
- Conversation skills; appropriate use of humour
- Friendship skills
- Organising get-togethers
- Conflict resolution; handling disagreements
- Good sportsmanship
- Changing a bad reputation
- Handling teasing and direct/indirect bullying
- Handling dating pressure (optional for teens and included for young adults)
- Additional session on time use, goals, values and interests to assist with considering suitable extra-curricular activities to practice skills.
Therapy assistants are available to generalise skills learnt during clubs to the everyday environment.