LOROS Hospice is unveiling a new children and young people’s counselling service this Children’s Grief Awareness Week.
The service, which is led by counsellor and educator Caroline Rogers, will provide support to children aged 5-18 years where a family member is or has been cared for by LOROS.
Caroline said, “I’ll be offering one to one support as well as working with the whole family, providing a safe, relaxing space for children to talk and express themselves.”
With young people’s mental health an increasing priority, it’s important that this age group are provided with the space to process the emotions they may be feeling, says Caroline. “There is an incredible need out there for this service. Young people are hugely impacted by loss of a loved one and it can affect every area of their lives. We’re really passionate about kick starting this service as it’s going to be a great help to children who are struggling.”
Caroline will also be working with staff in schools to help them better support bereaved young people too.
“Young people who are grieving may well experience overwhelming feelings in school leaving them angry, anxious, confused and easily upset.
“I’ll be helping teachers understand grief reactions and give them confidence to support children who are struggling so they will be able to engage better.”
John Knight, LOROS CEO, said “We’re very pleased to be able to offer this service to the families of our patients. Children and young people feel grief every bit as much as adults, and those feelings may be heightened at key life changes too such as changing schools or starting a job.
“At LOROS, we pride ourselves on supporting families as well as patients, and this new service will ensure we can offer that to all family members, whatever their age.”
