“Bereaved children are often referred to as the “forgotten mourners”. Many bereaved children feel isolated in their grief, unaware that they are not alone. November is Children’s Grief Awareness Month and is an opportunity to tell children they are not forgotten and that there is support, hope and healing to be found.” This quote from The National Alliance for Grieving Children reflects our mission at Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan Journeys program. Journeys provides a safe place for grieving children, teens and their families after the loss of a loved one.
For Children’s Grief Awareness Month, Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan in collaboration with the National Alliance for Grieving Children will host a Fall Webcast on Children’s Grief – Ethical Considerations for Grief Support after a Traumatic Death. Death, dying, and bereavement are unfortunate themes that appear almost daily in news headlines. Rarely is there any discussion on a national level as to how community traumatic death impacts the lives of children, teenagers, and families.
This webcast will provide insight into the challenges faced by children and teenagers impacted by a traumatic death.
When: Friday, November 8, 2019
Time: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Place: Grief Support Services at Oakland Centre 2255 West Centre Ave., Portage MI 49024
Cost: Free, additional $25 for 3.0 CEs for Psychologists, Counselors, MFT’s & Social Workers.
Register: Email jamie.nowaczynski@hospiceswmi.org or call 269-345-0273
You can find more resources to support grieving children and teens at The National Alliance for Grieving Children’s website: https://childrengrieve.org/ . They have launched a hero’s campaign and encouraging everyone to “be an everyday hero” to grieving children.
They are sharing a great resource – Everyday Hero Toolkit – that includes helpful guides for
- How to be a Hero to a grieving child or teen: for Parents/Caregivers
- How to be a Hero to a grieving child or teen: for Professionals
- How to be a Hero to your grieving friend
- and more
If you would like information about the Journeys program that meets in Portage, MI connect with us by email at journeys@hospiceswmi.org or call (269) 345-0273. You can also follow Journeys on Facebook.com/JourneysGriefSupport
