Thanks to funding from RBC Capital Markets, we successfully completed our Kids’ Bereavement support group program in June.
Kids’ Bereavement is a 10-week program that provides support to children who are grieving the death of a loved one to cancer. We had 13 children between the ages of 5-12 participate.
This program utilized bibliotherapy, psychoeducation, discussion, art and other expressive activities to help children feel safe to ask questions, express difficult feelings, and share common experiences around cancer and death.
Program activities were co-led by two mental health professionals trained in specific issues surrounding children’s responses to loss. Topics of discussion included the grief journey, feelings identification, coping strategies, problem-solving, and social & family support. To complement therapeutic discussion, interactive workshops for stress-reduction, creativity, and movement were provided as well.
Workshops implemented included: The John Lennon Real Love Project music series, Acting & Improvisation, Specialized Arts & Crafts, Good Dog Foundation therapy dog visits, and the MAD Art Illustration workshop with MAD Magazine Art Director,
Sam Viviano.
At the close of the 10 weeks, the children were offered the opportunity to join Noogie Nights, an ongoing weekly Bereavement Support Group held at the Clubhouse. All families chose to join the group in order to continue to receive support for the death of their loved one.
For more information about Noogie Night or Bereavement Support, please contact Michele Halusic, Associate Director, Program.