New program aims to build healthy relationships

Yorkton’s Shelwin House will be starting a new program at Churchbridge Public School this fall, teaching kids how to foster healthy relationships.

Shelwin House, which provides education and programs on bullying, family violence, and relationship conflict, received a $5,000 grant from South Saskatchewan Community Foundation’s Smart and Caring Fund.

“[The money] will allow us to present something bigger [than usual],” said Nicole Prince, who runs the outreach program with Shelwin House.

Shelwin House will present a four-to-six week program for Churchbridge School’s grade four-to-six students. The program will educate students on the importance of building healthy relationships with the people in their lives.

“We’re calling it ‘Dare to Care,’” Prince said.

Shelwin House has worked with Churchbridge School before, which made them a natural fit for the new program.

“Churchbridge School has always been a big supporter,” Prince said. “The staff is willing to work with us.”

Prince thinks kids need to understand the building blocks of healthy relationships as early in their lives as possible.

“Kids need to learn how to manage conflicts,” she said. “They want to learn.”

A presentation of the grant for the program will be held at Churchbridge School on Aug. 1 at 10:30 a.m.