Children and young people often process emotion differently to adults—they may be sad and angry one moment and in the next they want to go and play with their friends. This can often make it difficult to realise that a child may be struggling and may need help.

Our family support team have support services and resources that can help children and young people feel safe to express their feelings. Services that we offer that can be effective with younger people include, music therapy, interactive drawing therapy and counselling, learn more

Resources

• The Journey Through—a magazine written for young people that explains grief with helpful coping tips.
• When Someone You Love is Dying—a workbook for children aged 5–12 years that works through grieving in advance of losing a loved one.
• Healing Hearts—a workbook for children aged 5–12 years that works through grief after a loved one has died.
• Episode 18 and 20 from the Podcast Series, Ending Life Well provide helpful guidance for carers who are helping to care for children and young people.
  • Ep 19: Children and Grief
    We often want to protect children from grief, but this is not always possible, or desirable. Children need to be supported to process their grief in an age appropriate way. We share some suggestions for how to best meet the needs of your child.
  • Ep 20: Supporting Teenagers and Young Adults Going Through Grief
    Teenagers and young adults might already find life complicated, so adding in loss and grief can be especially challenging. Maintaining relationships is a key starting point to supporting them through this time.

External support services

• Kenzie’s Gift—counselling for children and young people with locally trained psychologists.
• The Acorn Project—support services for children aged between 12–24 years who have had a loved one affected by cancer.
• Growing Through Grief—a grief support group programme for children aged between 6–12 years and 13–18 years.