What’s The Buzz is an evidence-based program offered by The Benevolent Society to support the development of social and emotional intelligence in children and young people with a disability. It is currently offered in our South Australia offices at Port Pirie, Salisbury and Melrose Park. Read on to learn more about this program and who can benefit most from it!
What are the benefits?
What’s The Buzz offers children and young people the opportunity to develop, explore and refine their social skills within a safe space. Participants who complete the program will develop the following skills over time:
Improved social skills including greetings, participating in social conversations, social feedback and identifying social cues
An ability to build and maintain relationships and friendships
Skills in identifying and constructively responding to behavioural dominance, put-downs, insults, bullying, cyberbullying and trolling
A toolkit to navigate tricky social situations more positively and resiliently
An ability to self-regulate emotions and express emotions in a healthy manner
How does What’s The Buzz work?
The program is aimed at three core age groups:
Early Learners (5 – 8 years)
Primary Students (9 – 11 years)
Teenagers (12 – 15 years)
Flora Ma, team leader in South Australia, says that “the program is a wonderful way for children and young people to apply their newfound skills in a practical environment. We keep the groups small with one therapist for every three clients. This ensures that group dynamics are maintained and duty of care is kept to a high standard.”
"The content is tailored to each age group as it covers real-life situations that they may experience.”
The program runs across a period of 10 – 16 weeks which roughly coincides with the school term allowing the program to be highly relevant throughout the year.
Who Can Attend?
The program is open to any children or young people who are currently receiving NDIS-funded services from any provider including The Benevolent Society. What’s The Buzz can work in conjunction with other allied health services (e.g. speech pathology, occupational therapy), early childhood and/or family services.
Note that attendance and participation will be funded from the therapy budget within your NDIS allocation.
To find out more about this program or to sign-up, please contact us on 1800 236 762 or visit the program page.