Friendships & Changes: Thriving Through Puberty Together

May 14, 2025

Navigating the tween years can be a challenging time for both children and their parents.


As tweens begin to experience the physical and emotional changes of puberty, it's crucial to provide them with the knowledge and support they need to understand and manage these changes. Educating tweens about puberty helps them feel more confident and less anxious about the transformations their bodies are undergoing. It also empowers them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.


Equally important is supporting tweens in developing and maintaining healthy friendships. Friendships during this stage of life play a vital role in their social and emotional development. Positive peer relationships can boost self-esteem, provide a sense of belonging, and offer a support system during times of change.


To help tweens navigate these critical aspects of their development, helpz is excited to announce the launch of our Puberty and Friendship Groups. These groups, held separately for boys and girls, will run over six sessions and are designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for tweens to learn and grow. Through these sessions, participants will gain valuable insights into puberty and develop essential social skills to build and maintain healthy friendships.


Join us in supporting our tweens as they embark on this important journey of growth and self-discovery. Register your interest using this link or QR code.


Register interest

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Behaviour support services are designed to help individuals reduce risk behaviours and improve their quality of life. A great behaviour support service adopts a person-centred approach, exploring a person's life holistically and focusing on their strengths. At helpz, you can expect your behaviour support practitioner to be neuroaffirming, providing support that respects and values neurological differences. They tailor strategies to align with each individual's unique needs and preferences. To help you maximise the benefits of your behaviour support service, we have put together a comprehensive list of tips and strategies. Set Clear Goals Identify Objectives: Work with your behaviour support specialist to identify specific, measurable goals. This could include reducing challenging behaviours, improving social skills, or increasing independence. Regular Reviews: Regularly review and adjust your goals to ensure they remain relevant and achievable. Engage Actively Participate Fully: Actively participate in all sessions and activities. The more engaged you are, the more you will benefit from the service. Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure about any aspect of the support plan. Understanding the process is key to success. Be Honest Open Communication: Be honest with your behaviour support specialist about your experiences, challenges, and progress. Transparency helps tailor the support to your needs. Share Concerns: If something isn’t working or you’re facing difficulties, communicate this openly. It allows for timely adjustments to your plan. Collect Data Track Progress: Keep detailed records of behaviours, incidents, and improvements. This data is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of strategies. Use Tools: Utilise any tracking tools or apps recommended by your specialist to make data collection easier and more accurate. Involve Key People Family and Caregivers: Involve family members or caregivers in the process. Their support and understanding can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the service. Collaborate with Professionals: Work with other professionals involved in your care, such as teachers or therapists, to ensure a cohesive approach. Implement Strategies Consistently Follow the Plan: Consistently implement the strategies and techniques recommended by your behaviour support specialist. Consistency is crucial for achieving lasting change. Monitor Progress: Keep track of your progress and any changes in behaviour. This information can help your specialist make necessary adjustments to your support plan. Stay Positive and Patient Celebrate Small Wins: Celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Recognising achievements can boost motivation and confidence. Be Patient and Persistent: Behaviour change takes time. Stay patient and persistent, even if progress seems slow. Utilise Resources Educational Materials: Take advantage of any educational materials or resources provided by your behaviour support service. These can offer valuable insights and additional strategies. Support Groups: Join support groups or forums where you can share experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges. Provide Feedback Share Your Experience: Provide feedback to your behaviour support service about what is working well and what could be improved. Your input can help enhance the service for you and others. By following these strategies, you can maximise the benefits of your behaviour support service and achieve meaningful, lasting improvements in your behaviour and overall well-being. Learn more about behaviour support here .