Dying Matters Week
13 May 2019
It is Dying Matters week and Catherine Northup our Alexander’s Play Specialist tells us why we should not shy away from talking about loss, especially with children:
“As adults it’s a natural response to want to protect children from anything sad, frightening or overwhelming and that makes us hesitate to talk to children about death and include them in discussions and choices at the end of a loved one’s life.
It is so important for children to be able to talk about death and grief; remembering that every child is unique and with all talking and communication it is so much easier for children to express themselves if they feel valued, respected and listened to.
As part of my work supporting siblings within The Alexander Care Team I have the privilege to be alongside children who may have a brother or sister who is nearing the end of their life or who may have a sibling who has died. I am able to provide a safe space with developmentally appropriate activities so that children can talk about their grief, their feelings and worries and find ways to process and cope with these.
Children have such amazing insights and resilience I am continually learning from what they can teach me.”
Need our help?
The word hospice should not seem scary and getting support from us doesn’t have to mean a child’s death is imminent. Helping to enrich the lives of the children and their families is at the heart of our service, our end of life and bereavement support is just a part of what we do.
Our children’s hospice service covers the whole of Berkshire and into surrounding counties. If you think your child may be eligible for our services, please do get in touch.
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