Today, we’re taking about Children’s Grief Awareness Week.

Below you can learn more about our support services and meet some of the wonderful families we’ve recently supported.

Children’s Grief Awareness Week was initiated by Grief Encounter and the Childhood Bereavement Network in 2015, as a way to recognise and raise awareness of the bereavement experiences of children and young people.

Here at Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre, we support many children and young people through extremely difficult times.

Our dedicated team offers support when a family member has a life-limiting illness or when someone special has died. The people we support through our Family Support service don’t have to have a previous connection to Primrose Hospice.

Jenni Luke, Children’s Team Lead at Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre said:

“Children and young people can feel really isolated when they are bereaved. Even children and young people with the most supportive friends and families can find it hard talking to those closest to them. Sometimes it can feel easier to talk to someone not involved in the situation which is why services like Primrose are so important. Our support helps children navigate their grief in a safe and confidential environment.”

When a loved one is diagnosed with a life-limiting illness children and young people may experience increased levels of anxiety, distress and low mood and are at risk of becoming disengaged with education, socially withdrawn and facing a world filled with uncertainty.

Children don’t always have the language or understanding to express how they feel. We understand that helping children to find creative and safe ways in which to express their feelings after someone special dies is hugely important, as is the ability to listen to their experience and story in relation to the death.

We understand how difficult it can be talking to children and young people about certain subjects. Our Children and Young People’s team is here to help.

 We can offer:

• One-to-one or family assessments to identify the emotional needs of families experiencing the illness or anticipated death of a loved one
• Help to ensure the family are more prepared for bereavement, enabling open communication among children and parents
• Support when someone has died around healthy grieving and coping strategies either one-to-one, or as a family
• Working alongside schools to support the child and their family
• Group work, both with children and families, including face to face groups, activity days and virtual groups
• Feelings work to help identify and understand emotions
• Memory work to help keep a connection to the person who has died

To find out more about our Family Support services and to make a referral click here or the button below:

We’d like to introduce you to the Henman Family who Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre have recently supported.

Read Becky’s words below:

“I first came into contact with Primrose Hospice in 2021, after my Mum was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. I was caring for my Mum alongside my family, working as an Oncology Nurse Specialist and had two little boys depending on me. I was at breaking point when I was referred to the Family Support Team.

The world was at the height of Covid. That, combined with my Mum’s diagnosis, produced a whirlwind of emotions. I attended face-to-face counselling sessions; that precious hour was pure relief. I could talk freely, cry my heart out, be angry with the world, unpick family dynamics and walk away feeling energised, ready to tackle the week ahead.

My oldest son Freddie wasn’t coping with Granny’s diagnosis; the amazing children’s team stepped in. Their time with Freddie was invaluable. They created games, ideas and solutions to help with his fear of MND and the changes in Granny.

My Mum sadly lost her battle with MND in January 2022. Nothing fully prepares you for the loss of a loved one. The team were immediately there for us. I received more counselling, group counselling, reiki and Freddie and George have made memory boxes and attend the Explorations groups.

In January 2024 I was discharged. This day would not have come without the amazing support, guidance and belief from all the individuals who have supported me on my bereavement journey. You walk into the Coppice Centre and you are greeted with warmth from the amazing reception volunteers, smiles from behind every door and cuddles from Trevor the dog. You are never alone on this journey at Primrose.”

Thank you to Becky and her family for sharing their Primrose experience.

Below you can watch a poignant video Aston Villa football club created featuring Ellie and Ollie, whose Dad sadly died from suicide.

Our Family Support Team have supported Ellie, Ollie and their family after their Dad died through 1-2-1 counselling and group sessions.

The family said: “If this video helps anyone at all, that is what we are hoping for”.

Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre has to raise £1.95 million every year to provide our vital care and support for free to those who need them. We rely on the help and kindness of our community to raise the income needed to keep our doors open.

There are lots of ways you could support Primrose, from donating to our shops, making a regular donation or volunteering your time. Please do consider supporting us so they can help more people like Becky, Ellie and Ollie.

£10 each month could contribute to…children’s group sessions, providing support for children experiencing the loss of a close family member.

Thank you

#CGAW24