SUPPORT FOR GRIEVING CHILDREN I t’s an extremely emotional and challenging time when we lose a family member or someone we love. When we lose a loved one, we experience a full range of emotions. But imagine, just for one minute, what this would be like for a young child. The AnglicareSA Star Bear camp assists children in understanding more about death and the grieving process, participate in activities, as well as giving participants the opportunity to talk with other children who have also lost someone close. In March 2016 we developed a pilot program to assist parents cope with loss. The program is run while the children attend the Star Bear camp and our first session received very positive feedback from attendees. The Star Bear Parent Program enables carers to share their stories and concerns, which helps them to normalise their grief. It acknowledges that parents and carers not only play a significant role in supporting children who are coping with loss; they also need to manage their own grief. It’s important to have support networks in place for both adults and children. Bridget found herself in the challenging situation of managing her own grief as well as the grief experienced by her two young children. You can read her story on the opposite page. Our Star Bear Program and the Star Bear Parent Program rely on donations from the public. Your generous donation will help us continue to support people who have lost a loved one and also make the Star Bear Parent Group a regular part of the Star Bear Program.
17% OF CHILDREN LIVE IN HOUSEHOLDS THAT HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THE LOSS OF A FAMILY MEMBER
EVERY DAY 9 CHILDREN ARE BEREAVED OF A PARENT OR SIBLING IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Please donate today.
The Supporter Spring 2016 — page 11
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