The group is an opportunity for children who have been bereaved to meet other children who may similar experiences. We hope the children will be helped by being able to share their experiences with others and in doing so help each other. Often this deepens understanding of what the death means to the and how it has affected their lives and allows them to find their own ways to deal with it.

Children use their own words and through play and activities allow themselves to grieve. This allows others in the group to grieve, each finding their own way. We have many activities such as, running around games and we also spend time talking. The children have opportunities to share happy, sad and sometimes difficult feelings they may have about the loved one that has died. This may include them talking about the memories that they have about the person, talking about their dreams and sometimes other issues in their life.

The children in the group are usually between the age of six and twelve years. Groups have a maximum of twelve members, last two days during holiday times, and have three or four counsellors helping facilitate them.

We always meet individual children and a parent/carer beforehand to jointly decide if it is the right time for a child to come to a group.

Groups for Teenagers

Meeting others often helps us to make sense of our own experience. It also provides an opportunity to talk about a wide range of issues connected to loss and life. Groups usually meet fortnightly from 4.30-6.30. They are friendly and informal - with a chance to take part in a range of activities as well as chat and have fun together.

We always meet anyone interested in a group beforehand to jointly decide if it is right for them.