Youngsters to share stories of lost loved ones in grief workshops

Group therapy workshops for bereaved children and young people, whose loved ones were cared for at St Clare Hospice, are being launched this February.

The Hastingwood charity’s new project, Sharing Stories, will give children and teenagers a place to meet other young people who have also experienced a loss and share their favourite memories.

“When someone close to us dies, there can be a worry that special memories may be forgotten,” explained Catherine Kiff, the hospice’s young people and family therapist. “Those happy, funny and unique stories may never be shared between members of a family. Sharing Stories offers a safe place to be able to talk about those hidden and precious memories of a loved one, which are a part of a family’s history.

“Our workshops aim to be positive and uplifting for participants, supporting children and young people to come to terms with what has happened within the grieving process.”

The sessions are open to all children and young people, over the age of eight and will be led by Catherine. She said: “Remembering a loved one, and learning more about that special person, can provide such a comfort to those who are experiencing bereavement, which is exactly what Sharing Stories aims to offer.

“We’re really looking forward to our first few sessions which we hope will be hugely beneficial to those who attend.”

The new group is being offered as part of St Clare’s Children and Young People’s Support Service, which launched in May 2017 after a grant from BBC Children in Need.

The first sharing stories workshop will take place at the hospice on Saturday, February 3 between 10am and 12pm. Sessions will then take place every week at the same time, with the last on February 24.

Places are limited, and participants will be selected on a first-come-first-served basis. Contact Catherine Kiff on 01279 773723 or catherine.kiff@stclarehospice.org.uk.