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We are seeking support to expand and develop our innovative “Kingfishers” group which provides support for bereaved children whose family member or close relative died here at the Hospice, or at home whilst under our care.

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Categories

  • Cancer Cancer
  • Community Support & Development Community Support & Development
  • Health/Wellbeing Health/​Wellbeing
  • Hospitals/Hospices Hospitals/​Hospices
  • Beneficiaries

    • Children (3-18) Children (3-18)
    • Women & Girls Women & Girls
    • Young People (18-30) Young People (18-30)
    • Other Other

    Situation

    Over recent years we have seen a marked increase in the number of children who have lost a parent or close relative at the Hospice. Facing up to this loss can be particularly traumatic and many children find it hard to discuss their feelings especially when surrounded by a grief stricken family. However it is very important for the child’s mental well-being that they can share their feelings and have the opportunity to express the range of emotions which they will be experiencing. We contacted a number of bereaved children and their relatives who all felt that they would benefit from having a safe space to explore their feelings. The children felt that they would also benefit from being around other children who were also experiencing loss. Following this, we piloted a project called “Kingfishers”. The aim of this project is to provide regular sessions so that children can express their feelings of loss through different activities and play, both individually and in groups. These include collage, painting, specialised group board games, creating memory books, story telling, group question and answer sessions and talking to others in similar situations and play. There is always an adult helper available at all times. The project is available to recently bereaved children between the ages of 5-15 years old. Initially we thought that we would have to split the sessions in two to meet the different needs of older and younger children. However we actually found that the older children took care of the younger children and that the older children responded positively because they had a clear role within the session. Each session takes place within Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice as this is where the child’s parent or relative has died or where they came in the last stages of their life and so the child is familiar with the environment. Many of the children find the hospice environment comforting as it helps them to remember their loved one. Structure of the sessions. To date we have run seven sessions which have proved very popular and have been attended by a total of 92 Children. The project is managed by three Volunteer Bereavement Counsellors who are all trained in child bereavement, and assisted by other volunteer helpers, all of whom have had to pass a Criminal Records Bureau check. The time each child attends Kingfishers is measured by their differing needs as these often depend on their stage of bereavement. Children are registered to join or leave at anytime during the year so that the facility is available to each individual as and when they need it. On average a child will stay with the project for four sessions. Development Although the project is successful, the current set-up suffers from underfunding, meaning that both its capacity and resources are very limited. At present, much of the equipment that is used during the sessions is second hand, borrowed or of poor quality. Currently the responsibility for administration falls between a team of Bereavement Counsellors who all give their time voluntarily. To ensure coordination we want one person to have overall responsibility for the project, this will be a paid staff member who has been involved with the development since its onset. The staff member will devote one day a month to developing the project. In addition to organising the project the staff member will liaise with other specialist bodies and our in-house Patient and Family Services Team to ensure that children can access additional sources of support if needed. Due to demand we now need the facility to increase the availability of the project’s sessions so that we can support new children who need our help as well as providing continuing care to the existing children. With additional funding we anticipate being able to run 10-12 sessions a year. Parents and carers have said that Kingfishers gives them time and space to reflect upon their own loss. They feel that they can do this as they know their child is safe and is being cared for in a secure and comforting environment. Parents and carers also felt better able to talk to their child about their shared loss once they returned from the session, because events during the session helped to facilitate discussion about their loved one once at home. Parents and carers also felt that their children also learn that it is acceptable to feel sad and angry so are better able to share these feelings, which they had often kept to themselves for fear of adding to the distress of their parent or carer. Cost In order to increase and expand the sessions and ensure coordination we are asking for an investment of £31,650. This will provide us with three years funding which will enable the project to develop and grow. In addition, having three years of funding secured will give the Hospice sufficient time to develop and implement a fundraising strategy to fund the project once the three year funding period has ended. The costs include: management; volunteer's expenses; equipment and supervision.

    Solution

    100%
    Categories

  • Cancer Cancer
  • Community Support & Development Community Support & Development
  • Health/Wellbeing Health/​Wellbeing
  • Hospitals/Hospices Hospitals/​Hospices
  • Beneficiaries

    • Children (3-18) Children (3-18)
    • Women & Girls Women & Girls
    • Young People (18-30) Young People (18-30)
    • Other Other