Counselling

About the service

Our Children’s Service supports children up to the age of 18. We support children whose loved one has died, or who are living with a loved one with a palliative diagnosis. We also offer support to their families. Our support is led by the needs of the children as well as their interests.

What we offer

We offer support in a variety of ways. This could be something as simple as offering story books to help children understand death and dying. We also offer play, art and crafts, as well as simple talking sessions that children will engage in. We allow children to talk about their grief in a safe space in their own time.

We offer art therapy and counselling for children and young people facing complex grief or several bereavements.

We also provide family support sessions. These help families support each other after our sessions are complete.

Where support is offered

We offer support sessions wherever suits the child and their family. This could be at the hospice at Old Brampton in one of our family spaces or counselling rooms, in the child’s home, at school, or in the community. We can also deliver sessions virtually by Teams.

We also offer support to families on our Inpatient Unit. We will continue to work with families if needed following the death of their loved one.

Support for schools

We work in partnership with local schools, offering support and advice to staff when a child has been bereaved. We send packs out to local schools that contain guidance on how to help children. We also offer training sessions for school staff and volunteers.

Peer Support Groups

On the first Saturday of every month, we offer a family session. We also run an evening teenage group on the third Monday of every month. The purpose of these groups is to provide fun, enjoyable activities and sessions. This is mixed with ongoing support and advice around managing feelings of grief and loss.

Referrals to the service

We accept referrals from the wider Ashgate Hospice team, schools, and other community organisations.

Each referral is offered an assessment. We use an accredited tool to ensure the appropriate support is offered.

We also use a review and goal-setting system to ensure practice remains appropriate and beneficial.