At Princess Alice Hospice we offer pre and post bereavement support for children and families, both in groups and one to one. When a close family member is sick or dies it is an understandably difficult time, where life has turned upside down. Although we cannot take away the sadness we can share different ways of managing and living with grief, help understand why things happen and help remember their special person.
Support for children and families
Creating a space for bereaved children to express themselves in a safe environment.
Starting the conversation with children about death and dying
Dovetail Group
Children and young people who have lost a loved one often face different challenges to adults. If you are a parent or a carer of a child or young person who is bereaved you may find our Dovetail group helpful. The group provides creative activities and a chance for children, young people and their parents or carers to share experiences with other people in a similar situation.
We meet at the Hospice on the second Tuesday of each month, from 4:30pm – 6pm.
For more information, please contact our Family Social Worker, Amanda Briedis, at [email protected] or on 07918 476170.
Children’s group 4-11 years
Children have the opportunity to take part in a creative activity to remember their special person and to think about their feelings and thoughts. A small tea is provided during the session.
Young people 11-18 years
An opportunity to talk about the death of a family member and also their thoughts and feelings with peers whilst taking part in a creative activity.
Adults
Parents’ group
This is a monthly peer support group for those parents whose partners have died and have school age children, meeting at the Hospice on the third Wednesday of the month between 4:30pm – 5:30pm. It is an ongoing group which provides an opportunity to talk, to meet others and share experiences.
For more information, please contact Amanda Briedis at [email protected] or on 07918 476170.
Books on Bereavement
Below is a small selection of books that may help children and adults dealing with bereavement.
A huge bag of worries – Virginia Ironside – a great for conversation starters about worries
The Invisible string – Patrice Karst – about a connection we have with people however far away they are and also when died
Michael Rosen’s Sad book – a more grown up book, well written and good for all ages
Why do things die – Usborne by Katie Daynes – a lift the flap book which is very accessible and has lots of info – good for younger children
When dinosaurs die – Laurie Krasny Brown – lots of information and questions about different cultures, memory making, what does being dead mean?
The Memory box – Rowland – all about the importance of memories
Grandad’s island – Benji Davies – memories and beautiful illustrations
See also, Some suggestions for further reading.
