ACORN
The Program
The Acorn Program is a multi-faceted, evidence-based intervention designed to provide an opportunity for mothers with mental health difficulties to come together once a week in groups and be supported in their relationship with their young child aged from birth to three years.
Acorn group programs run for 15 weeks for up to 10 mothers at various stages of wellness, who have identified that their mental health struggle is having or has had an impact on their relationship with their child(ren).
Acorn is for both people in the relationship with an equal emphasis on mother and child, and is therefore all about supporting the mother-child relationship itself.
The Program
One of the unique characteristics of Acorn is that it offers three primary components – Dance Play, Journaling and Therapeutic Letters – within one group program, facilitated by a skilled multi-disciplinary team involving a Dance Worker, a Family Support Practitioner and a Mental Health Clinician, supported by volunteers.
- Dance Play involves the whole group and places the focus on the children to create the immediate conditions for playful interaction through movement and song.
- Journaling provides time and a safe space for the mothers to develop reflective skills that will support them build and sustain their connection with their children. During journaling the children enjoy shared play with the Dance Worker and volunteers in an adjacent space.
- Therapeutic letters are sent weekly to each mother and child. The letters encourage the mothers by noting golden moments of loving connection and wondering about important areas of their experiences of the group activities.
hear from the mums
Hear from the mums – click the play button on the videos below.
