We understand that children and young people experience grief just as profoundly as adults, and our commitment lies in assisting families to support them through their loss and grief. Through HOPE at St Michael’s, we offer both group and individual support tailored for children and young people aged from 5 to 25. We are dedicated to providing the necessary help and understanding during this challenging time.
SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN & TEENAGERS
We’re here to listen and help
What we do:
Our service welcomes anyone aged 5-25, facing the challenging reality of a close family member diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. It’s a supportive haven where young individuals can connect with others who share similar experiences, offering a chance to share their stories and provide peer support.
At Hope, the St Michael’s team brings a ray of positivity, offering therapeutic, engaging activities, building skills, and providing much-needed respite through trips. We also provide a safe space for confidential one-on-one chats, ensuring that every young person feels heard, supported, and uplifted during this journey.
Memory Bears:
Here at St Michael’s, for over 20 years we have been giving young people teddy bears. We get patients with young family members to choose one of our fluffy little bears for each of the children they would like to give them to. They also then get to choose an outfit which has been knitted by our volunteers to dress the bear in.
This ‘gifting’ of a bear from a loved one, creates a last memory and is an important part of the journey for young people. It can help them to come to terms with a loved-ones terminal diagnosis, prepare for death, and also can provide something to hold, hug and continue to love after their loved one has died.
Our support encompasses:
- A monthly club for 5-11 year-olds
- A monthly evening group for 11-16 year-olds
- A monthly evening group for 16-25 year-olds
- School holiday activities, trips and workshops for 5-11s, 12-16s and 17-25s
- One-to-one support for under-fives, primary-school aged children, teens and young adults
Sessions are run at St Michael’s but are not exclusive to young people with a family member at the hospice.