STARS

The STARS Programme for Families and Children

This is specifically run to help the particular needs of surviving parents and their children from the age of five to young adults up to twenty-five years. The programme takes place at least once a year and families are invited to participate within 4-6 months of bereavement.
There is a separate leaflet available but, briefly, the programme aims are:

Supporting families in coping with the death of someone special.

Talking to other people who have had a similar experience to lessen the sense of isolation.

Adjusting to the changes that families face after the loss of a parent.

Remembering the person who has died through a range of creative and expressive activities.

Someone special; someone unique. Feeling you are not alone and feeling ready to move on.

Therapeutic work with children facing bereavement depends on trusting relationships developing in a safe space; time to explore what has happened; contact with other bereaved children to help with feelings of isolation and support to express many conflicting and frightening feelings.
Art, music and drama help children to express difficult feelings and encourage sharing of experiences. Alongside this we provide team building events, where children learn to trust each other, have fun and enjoy lots of good food.
Research shows that this therapeutic work significantly reduces the risk of mental health issues in adulthood.