Bell Time Magazine Autumn/Winter 2015 | Page 22

Welcome to PALS Programme Positive Assertive Life Skills BellTIME Bee Flanagan is a Life and Business Coach, Youth Coach and qualified trainer. Bee established her coaching business in 2010, working with clients on a one to one basis and also in groups delivering workshops and seminars in several areas of personal development and positivity. While doing this work Bee saw a niche in the area of positive personal development and life skills for teenagers and young adults. This resulted in the development of the PALS Programme. Bee has almost 25 years experience in management: leading, motivating and encouraging individuals, teams and groups. Recently appointed as the Educational Champion for Mindset and Attitude with the IIC&M ( International Institute of Coaching and Mentoring) Bee also held the role of Deputy Head of Ireland with the IIC&M. PALS Programme Our Mission Statement is “To deliver our PALS Programme in a positive, fun and assertive environment. Our aim is to encourage our students through positive and assertive life skills to help them to achieve their greatest potential in all areas of their lives whether school, work or at home. It is not what happens that matters but how we react to what happens which brings about the result” 42 The original concept behind the PALS Programme was to deliver a short term life skills programme to Transition Year Students in areas of personal development, self-belief and empowerment. However two years on and PALS has expanded into several areas including one off workshops for First Year Students, Exam Year Students and Workshops supporting Mentors and Leaders, within all levels of educational establishments including primary, secondary and third level education. We now deliver PALS to both students and teachers in some schools. PALS One to One Coaching We are delighted with the expansion of the PALS Programme into the One to One coaching area with teenagers and young adults, which also includes Career coaching. We are so happy to see the awareness and understanding of our PALS One to One programme growing with parents and guardians. HQ is receiving several calls a week from parents enquiring about how PALS may help their teenagers or young adults.PALS Programme has been designed to focus on many areas where challenges are faced. The programme is adaptable to individuals and groups and will focus on bringing about positive changes in many areas. Sometimes a challenge which seems small and insignificant to an adult can actually be very overwhelming to a 14 or 15 year teenager. Often the process of taking time out to look at positive experiences, strengths and attributes, can often help a teenager focus on all their good skills and in doing so they feel confident to grow and progress in other areas which they find more challenging. Often the very act of taking time out to review our progress and development can be just the very activity which is needed to bring about positive changes in our lives. This one small change can have a very positive knock on effect and bring about big changes in several areas including school, social skills and general mental health and well being. We have seen huge positive results almost immediately with our one to one clients. The sessions are tailored to the client and therefore can focus on the core areas of concern. BellTIME Many students feel such a positive impact on their day to day lives that they want to continue maintaining this well into the future. Sessions are delivered over 3, 6 or 9 sessions depending on the needs of the teenager or young adult. The process of the weekly or fortnightly sessions allows time for the student to introduce new habits and complete the weekly action plan. All in all the overall result is very very positive! Big congrats to all ou