The Tree of Support invites you to identify the people that are important in your life, a visual reminder that you are not alone and different people provide us with different types of support. Some people are good at offering practical support, others may provide more emotional support or friendship.
This activity is a useful tool to use on yourself or to complete with a child. There are times in all of our lives when we can feel overwhelmed with events, decisions to be made, responsibilities and it can be hard to see who are where you can turn to for help.
Yourself or the child adds a person to as many leaves on the tree as you/they choose. The people can be friends, neighbours, professionals, family members. When completing this activity it also allows you/the child time to reflect on the help received and the difference it has made, or the friendships that are key to your wellbeing.
Sometimes it can be difficult to think of names when asked directly ‘Name the important people in your life’. Instead perhaps ask:
If you received some good news, who would be the first person you would tell?
Think of a happy memory, who else in in that memory?
Who makes you smile, laugh?
When you last felt sad, who helped and how?
When we have completed Trees of Support with children, it has been common for pets to be included on a leaf which is a lovely addition to the tree and invites further conversation about how the pet makes them feel.
The picture of the tree can be decorated and put up on display as a visual reminder to refer to when support is needed.
