Activity Days and Group Work
Activity Days
Our Activity Days give bereaved children, young people and their families the opportunity to have fun and spend time with others who understand what they have been through. In the two years following their one-to-one post-bereavement support from us, children and young people are automatically invited to our activity days. These run through the year with a range of activities to suit different interests and age ranges.
Activity Days help children and young people to:
- Meet others who have experienced bereavement.
- Feel less alone in their grief.
- Build confidence and friendships.
- Enjoy positive experiences with their family.
- Create new memories while continuing to remember the person who has died.
We had a lovely time at the activity day at The Donkey Sanctuary. Felt very special, compared to a normal visit, due to being in the Therapy Centre and getting to groom the donkeys etc. The activities were really enjoyed! It was a lovely group of people – both the families and the Balloons and Donkey Sanctuary staff/volunteers.
- Parent
Recent Activity Days have included:
- Junior driving experience
- Build-a-Bear workshop
- Pottery making at Exeter Museum
- Creation Station creative workshop
- Printmaking at local libraries
- Christmas panto at Exeter Northcott
It was lovely for my son to be able to share his skills and show others how to do it. When he struggles socially this is a big thing.
- Parent
My daughter got on really well with the other children and it was probably even more beneficial for me as a parent, getting to have a couple of chats and sharing with people who are going through the same circumstances. Thank you for having us. We really appreciate it!
- Parent
Group Work
Our group sessions give bereaved children and young people a safe space to share experiences, learn from one another and realise they are not alone in their grief. This type of grief support may be suitable when:
- A pupil has died.
- A member of staff has died.
- Several pupils have experienced bereavement.
- Children may benefit from peer support.
What happens in a group session?
As with all our work, the activities can vary depending upon each case. However, sessions might include:
- Sharing experiences and feelings.
- Creative activities.
- Memory and remembrance work.
- Exploring common grief responses.
- Building coping strategies.
- Developing peer support and understanding.
Through offering group work, we aim to support more children and young people in an alternative way to one-to-one support. If you are interested in discussing this for children or young people in your setting, please get in touch at support@balloonscharity.co.uk.