New bereavement support for people who have lost loved ones at Willow Wood

Willow Wood is launching two new groups aimed at bereaved people grieving for loved ones who have received care at the Hospice.

The Sunflowers Support Group is designed specifically for children aged eight to 13 years old, offering age-appropriate activities and gentle guidance to help them understand and express their grief.

They must be comfortable in a small group with other young people; be demonstrating a struggle in their grief where a parent/guardian/carer is noticing adverse changes to their behaviours or usual routines; be able to attend all six proposed dates.

The group – led by a qualified Counsellor – will run for six weekly sessions on Mondays at the Hospice, from 4pm to 5.30pm, starting on 24th February and ending on 31st March.

To express interest in a child attending the group, visit https://willowwood.org.uk/sunflowers-support-group/ to fill out a simple form and the Hospice’s Family Support team will be in touch with more details.

A new drop-in is also starting to support bereaved family members and those closest to someone who was cared for through any service at Willow Wood.

The Bereavement Support Hub gives people the opportunity to connect with the Hospice’s Family Support team for reassurance, guidance, information and signposting, as well as to self-refer to Counselling, future groups or spiritual support.

There will be quarterly drop-in sessions at the Hospice from 9.30am to 11am on the following Tuesdays this year: 25th February, 27th May, 26th August, and 2nd December.

Anyone interested in attending can express their interest by going to https://willowwood.org.uk/bereavement-support-hub/

The Hospice is based on Willow Wood Close, off Mellor Road, in Ashton-under-Lyne (postcode OL6 6SL).

Bethan Creighton, Family Support Lead and Senior Family Support Counsellor at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “Grief can be an overwhelming and isolating experience, especially for children and families who have lost a loved one.

“At Willow Wood, we want to provide a safe and supportive space where people can express their emotions, connect with others who understand, and find the guidance they need.

“Our new bereavement support offers that opportunity to those whose loved one was cared for at the Hospice, ensuring nobody has to navigate their grief alone.”

PICTURED: Bethan Creighton, Family Support Lead and Senior Family Support Counsellor, in the Hospice gardens.