DID YOU MISS OUR FEBRUARY SPEAKER ? Grief in our Families: The Impact on Children & Teens On February 24th, our special guest speaker, Nadine Gariepy-Fisk from the Children's Grief Centre, shared information on grief experienced by young people, including how it can be a particularly difficult process for teens. Many teens find it hard to open up and engage with others, with their own feelings, memories, and thoughts. Youth don’t necessarily have the life experience to know how, when, or if the grief will pass. The Children’s Grief Centre offers professional, specialized services for grieving children in Southern Alberta. The counsellors help families, children, and teens adjust to the changes in their lives. Using individual, family counselling and group support, the Centre compassionately supports young people through grief. The counsellors are recognized experts in end-of-life, grief and trauma counselling for those aged 19 years and younger. There are a variety of ways to access services including drop in, text and chat line, groups, online support. Additionally, the Centre has a focus to provide education to increase capacity within the community, providing resources, educational workshops, and more.
In order to work with younger people experiencing grief, the Centre uses different resources including images, quotes, videos, and movies.
COVID-19 has introduced new struggles for those experiencing grief. There are fewer options for reaching out to others or participating in experiences that could help with the process. With less ability to distract and keep life moving forward, isolation is one of the biggest issues from grief, particularly for children and teens. This leads to a major role for the Centre to reduce isolation and show youth that they are not alone. Different options of support for children is critical during periods of loss and grief, and to do so as a community helps everyone - particularly the child - to process the grief in a healthy manner. People around the child that can help may be a teacher, a school assistant, or another adult in their life. Most crucial is the role as a listener. It is important to listen if they are seeking out support from someone they trust. Children rely on having someone to be present and show up for them, and acknowledge the difficult emotions they are feeling, and to ultimately show empathy and support.
We encourage people to learn more about the Children's Grief Centre and the resources available by visiting https://www.hospicecalgary.ca/childrens-grief-centre/
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