Making Time for Memories

Find out why we are bringing bereaved children, teenagers, parent(s)/ guardian(s) together.

Our Bereavement Service offers a range of differing support, including support forchildren, teenagers and their carer’s.

We are aware that sometimes it is difficult to find the time in families to come together and remember their loved ones. Grief can be a challenging time and can leave you not knowing what to do or say, especially as memories can touch on a range of different and sometimes painful emotions.

Parents/guardians can struggle to know how to support children and understand how they are grieving, because their grief is expressed differently from adults. They tend to be completely immersed in their emotion and then step out of it; it is called “puddle jumping”. It is important to give children the time and opportunities to remember and make sense of what has happened to their relative who has died.

To help tackle this, Martlets Bereavement Service are holding a family event on March 23rd 2019, to invited families, who have been under the care of the Martlets. We plan to hold this springtime event annually, providing a time of remembrance, connection and creative activities.

A safe and supportive space

Our hope is that we can provide a safe and supportive space to bring families together, as well as enabling children and young people to join with their peers and normalise their grief experiences.

The adults will be able to talk with other parents/carers who are juggling their individual grief as well as their children’s. The planned and facilitated activities will be creative and fun and give everyone the opportunity to connect to memories of their loved relative as well as connecting to each other on the day.

We aim that all participating will enjoy the experience and build their confidence whilst also facing their loss. Everyone taking part in the event will be arriving, not sure what to expect but wanting to join in and the Patient and Family Support Team will be there to guide them all through the activities and support their needs.

We hope it will be an enjoyable day, full of new experiences and providing renewed hope and meaning for everyone taking part.

Further Information

During a lengthy illness, following the funeral, or sometimes long after the death of a loved one grief may become more than you are able or willing to handle. There are services and support which can help you through this time.

Anyone whose loved one was cared for by the Martlets is very welcome to make contact with our Bereavement Service by calling 01273 273400 or emailing bereavement@martlets.org.uk

Useful Services and information:  

Cruse Bereavement Service 

Cruse offer a bereavement helpline to give support as you need it in addition to their website where you can also find resources on how to support your child.  

www.cruse.org.uk/Children/loss-from-childs-perspective

0808 808 1677

Winston’s Wish  

Winston’s Wish has a wealth of resources and advice on how to support your child through bereavement, whilst also dealing with your own grief. They also have a free phone helpline you can call.

www.winstonswish.org.uk/

08088 020 021

Childhood Bereavement UK 

Child Bereavement UK supports families and educates professionals when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement.

http://childbereavementuk.org