A serious progressive illness can cause enormous changes within a family.
Children of all ages will sense the feelings of people around them, every child will have different needs depending on their age and development, but they will all need information, reassurance, and the opportunity to express their feelings.
Our service is able to support families as a whole or individuals within the family at what can be a very difficult and stressful time. We offer advice on how to give honest information to children in a safe way and how to handle questions, which can be difficult to answer when someone is unwell, or when a family is bereaved.
Children are given the opportunity to join a group where they meet with other children who are going through similar experiences, it can be very helpful to know that they are not the only ones facing such difficulties.
Our professional team will work closely with other hospice professionals, GPs, health visitors, schools and other voluntary agencies in order to support children and their families.
Support can be provided face-to-face, over the phone, or by video call.
Waterbugs – for children and families
This group is for children and their parent / carer when a loved one has a serious progressive illness. Families benefit from professional and peer support, meeting people in a similar situation and with similar issues. The group runs face-to-face once a month (every second Monday of the month) and is from 17:30 – 19:00. Group members must be known to St Richard’s Hospice. Contact the Family Support Team.
Dragonfly group – for children and families
This group is for bereaved children and their parent or carer. Families benefit from professional and peer support, meeting with people in a similar situation and with similar issues. The group is available to families known to St Richard’s Hospice and Bereavement Support South Worcestershire. The group meets face-to-face on Thursdays fortnightly for six sessions from 17:30 – 19:00. Contact the Family Support Team.
The groups were named after Doris Stickney’s book: “Waterbugs and Dragonflies : Explaining Death to Young Children” which tells how waterbugs grow into dragonflies but are unable to return to their friends to explain what has happened to them.
Inside out – for children and families
This group is for families bereaved through sudden death and trauma. Families benefit from professional and peer support, meeting with people in a similar situation and with similar issues. The group is for families known to St Richard’s Hospice and Bereavement Support South Worcestershire.
Teenage Group
This bereavement social group runs once a month for teenagers aged 13+.
Memory Day
This is held twice a year for bereaved families.