Southland: Grief Groups

IN THE SAME BOAT

A programme for children who have experienced loss and change in their lives following death, separation and/or divorce

ABOUT GRIEF

• Grief is the word we all use to describe our thoughts, feelings and reactions when we are faced with change and loss. Grieving is a way of slowly adjusting our lives to the reality of what has happened. Loss and grief are part of life for everyone.

• Children grieve for losses in their lives just as adults do. Like adults, children heal best  not by "forgetting" but by remembering and absorbing the loss through death, separation and divorce. This takes time.

• Groups can be a very effective way to help because they allow children to understand that they are not "alone" or "different". Being with others in a similar situation helps them to realise that what they feel is normal, that they are all "in the the same boat".

• Parents and caring adults play a huge part in helping children heal. Therefore if you want your child to be part of this programme, you and/or another caregiver need to attend also.

• The programme aims to support you and your children, as together you face change and loss.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

• The programme is free of charge.

• The Grief Group is a therapeutic programme for children aged 7-12 and their parents/caregivers.

• Two group programmes are run each year.

• One programme is for children who have experienced loss and change in their lives following separation and/or divorce. This group includes weekly sessions and runs from 9.30 to 11am for seven weeks.

• The other programme is for children who have experienced loss and change in their lives following the death of a person important to the child. This group also runs from 9.30 to 11am for eight weeks.

• If you are interested in talking with someone about the groups, then please contact us.

The group facilitators are trained and experienced in working with children and families. However, we believe that YOU know your children best, so your thoughts and comments are important to us.

"We need to remind ourselves that the aim of any loving, therapeutic attention is to help children tolerate emotional pain, to learn to live with a level of distress that is manageable; to understand that grief is a natural part of life in the absence of a loved person."

Diane McKissock
"The Grief of our Children"
(1998) ABC Books

 

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