Salvos Brings Positive Lifestyle Program Back to Schools
October 27, 2022
Young Adult Team Specialist John Marion presents a number of training videos as part of the launch of the Positive Lifestyles Program in high schools.
The Youth and Young Adults team has begun adapting the Positive Lifestyle Program (PLP) specifically for high school students.
Its purpose is for youth leaders, mentors, and other caring adults to use this tool to help young people grow, navigate the pressures of adolescence, and become their best selves.
“PLP is a personal development course that focuses on a range of life skills, including emotional regulation, decision-making, self-esteem, and self-awareness,” said John Marion, Youth Specialist for the National Youth and Young Adults Team. “It’s an important developmental skill, a building block of being a healthy person, and something adults typically do in a one-on-one setting.”
PLP has been an integral part of the Salvation Army mission for over 25 years and is a tool used by adults in a variety of settings. In keeping with The Salvation Army’s vision of transforming lives, the program consists of group or individual sessions, delivered by trained facilitators and designed to develop individual life skills. This is the first time this tool has been used in high school.
“I believe these are valuable skills that everyone needs to grow and develop,” said John. “High schools are where young people are, and if the Salvation Army wants to engage young people, it needs to be where they are. It’s a way to get
building trust
PLP runs in 9 sessions and takes young people on a journey alongside the facilitator. Adapting tools for use in high schools could be a form of early intervention for young people in need.
“They (young people) travel with a trained facilitator. They stay with them throughout the course. This builds trust and often friendships.” , explains Robin Lorimer, Executive Assistant to Territorial Leader and General Secretary for Spiritual Life. “If we can encourage young people at this young age to start thinking about their reactions to relationships, anger management, and so on, we can help them develop the skills to manage these emotions as they begin to grow into adults. hoping. “
naThe last three years have seen widespread disruption to the mental health and development of young people. Recent research COVID-19 is a challenge for young people’s emotions and education, and adults have discovered that they may need new tools to move them forward.
“Young people face a variety of adolescent stressors and challenges related to growth and the world,” John said. “PLP provides young people with tools and ideas to navigate these challenges, and people they know who can support them. give them the language to do
peer support
in the meantime While PLP is often conducted in a one-on-one setting for adults, the new program harnesses the power of peer support and adapts the format of group work with young people.
Positive Lifestyle Programs help school students cope with mental health challenges and maximize their chances of becoming well-rounded adults.
“The opportunity for us in this new course is to know the role our peers play in shaping and influencing each young person,” John said. It’s a process in which they speak up, listen to others, explore new ideas, and articulate what they feel together.”
When PLP is back in school and proven resources can now make a difference to the young demographic.
“I love this program and everything it has to offer,” Robin said. “I am very excited that it is now available for children and I am grateful to John and the Youth and Young Adults team for making this possible. I’m seeing it change.”
The Positive Lifestyles Program for High Schools is now available on the Salvation Army website. Adolescents and Young Adults Sites containing parts of the program sample material is also available.
“Tools like PLP can help adults who care for young people make a difference in their lives,” John said. “Those interested in making a difference in youth development can head to the site for training and tools.”
For more information on programs and other projects our youth and young adult teams are working on, please email us. Youthandyoungadults@salvationarmy.org.au na
