Bereavement Support
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We are very aware that for many families the grieving process begins at the point their child’s condition is diagnosed. We keep this closely in mind as we support families throughout their journey.
THERE FOR FAMILIES EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
We offer post-bereavement support to families for up to three years following the death of their child, via a named bereavement support worker and through groups and events for bereaved siblings, parents and families.
Where needed we can offer additional bereavement support for any member of the family such as Therapy and memory-making activities, through input from our Play Specialist, Bereavement Support Coordinator, Music Therapist, Art Therapist and Drama and Movement Therapist.
Post-bereavement support can be practical, emotional or may simply involve us being there to listen. As a team, we recognise when grief is becoming complicated, and we will offer guidance or refer on when this seems to be the case. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and our team are here to support families whatever they are feeling.
Our Butterfly Groups, led by the Therapies, Family Link and Bereavement teams, provide opportunities for whole family peer support. We hold an annual Memory Event which includes a non-denominational candle lighting ceremony followed by all-age memory making and craft activities. Invitations to Memory events are offered to families for as long as they wish, even after three years.
This post-bereavement support is available to any bereaved family within our catchment area, whether or not we had previously known their child.
Our approach to bereavement support follows the same principles as all of our services. We are always committed to treating those we support as individuals and focus on providing holistic care to families. You can read more about our approach here.
CREATING A LASTING MEMORY WITH A BUTTERFLY IN OUR BUTTERFLY WOODLAND WALK
Located in our beautiful 7.5-acre nature reserve at The Ark, these hand-crafted butterflies offer a unique and meaningful way to remember a child who has died. The butterflies, designed by artist Paul Cox, are a gift to bereaved families from Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice. They can be organised by reaching out to the Family Link team at [email protected].