Published on: Thursday 14 Dec 2017 at 10:19
We are delighted to announce the launch of our new workshop for young people to remember lost loved ones
St Clare Hospice has launched a new group therapy workshop for children, young people and their families entitled ‘Sharing Stories’. The new group is being offered as part of our Children and Young People’s Support Service, which launched in May 2017 after a major grant was received from BBC Children in Need.
The ‘Sharing Stories’ workshop offers a safe place for children, young people and their family members, to come together with other local families to share favourite moments and memories of their loved ones who have been cared for by St Clare.
St Clare Children, Young People and Family Therapist, Catherine Kiff, outlined the Sharing Stories group:
“When someone close to us dies, there can be a worry that special memories may be forgotten – 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. Part of the workshop also includes a group facilitator writing up shared stories, for participants to take home their own stories as a keepsake after the course concludes.”
Commenting on the launch of the new group therapy workshop, Catherine said:
“It is fantastic for us to be able to launch this group for children and young people who have lost someone close to them at St Clare. 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.”
Sharing Stories will be led by Child, Young Person and Family Therapist, Catherine Kiff, at the Hospice Centre in Hastingwood. The service is open to any child or young person who has experienced bereavement at St Clare Hospice. Sessions will occur on a weekly basis with attendees encouraged to participate in the full programme lasting a total of four weeks.
The first Sharing Stories sessions will begin in February 2018, and is open to children and young people aged 8+ years who have had a loved one cared for by St Clare Hospice in the last 3 years. The Hospice is encouraging people to get in touch with their team if they would like to attend with their children.
The dates of the first Sharing Stories group are as follows:
- 10am – 12pm, Saturday 3 February 2018
- 10am – 12pm, Saturday 10 February 2018
- 10am – 12pm, Saturday 17 February 2018
- 10am – 12pm, Saturday 24 February 2018
Places are limited and participants will be selected on a first-come-first-served basis. To find out more, and to book your place on Sharing Stories, please contact Catherine Kiff on 01279 773723 or email catherine.kiff@stclarehospice.org.uk.