Adults, often mistakingly, try to protect children from the impact of serious illness or the death of a relative….hoping that by not talking about it they can shield them from sadness and pain. At Woking & Sam Beare Hospices, we believe that supressing these emotions is not helpful, and a healthier approach is to be gently honest. We encourage and support our families to navigate this difficult path whilst respecting their autonomy. We offer family support, one to one counselling for children and young adults, as well as bereavement support groups.
Footsteps
Footsteps is a support group for children under 12 who have lost a relative or someone close to them. Its aim is to help them come to term with their loss and acknowledge their feelings…and by meeting others in a similar situation, they realise they are not on their own. Footsteps meet every 6 weeks and through arts and crafts projects, we try to help children remember their loved one through the medium of creativity.
Thanks to the generosity of Mizzens Railway in Woking, our families have the opportunity, once a year, to come along and enjoy the miniature railway, play games and take part in a special remembrance ceremony.
The Tommy D Project
Thomas Di Felice was tragically killed in a road accident on the 15th December 2009. He was 17 years old. His parents, family and friends have tirelessly raised money for the Hospices, and their generous donations enabled the Tommy D Project to be launched. The Tommy D Group meets in the evening of the second Thursday of each month in Woking and supports young people, under the age of 18, who have been bereaved. The group find comfort in the support of their peers and take part in many social activities such as bowling, outdoor survival and meals out.
Further information
Please contact Julie Cole, Children’s Services Manager on 01932 826095 or send an email
