Lawrence, Mass. – Recognizing that kids grieve in their own unique way, Merrimack Valley Hospice has designed a free grief support program for children.
In the biweekly sessions, which are led by a facilitator from Merrimack Valley Hospice’s licensed, credentialed bereavement staff, children aged 6 to 15 can connect with peers, express creativity, learn about bereavement and create a lasting memory while enjoying a snack. The group will meet every other Tuesday, 4:15 to 5:30 p.m., from April 12 through June 21 at High Pointe House located at 360 North Avenue in Haverhill.
Susan Toleos, manager of bereavement services and community education at Merrimack Valley Hospice, acknowledges that it can be challenging for caregivers of children who are grieving a loss to know what to say or do.
“Providing a sense of community, shared experiences and connection are especially important in helping children cope and ultimately heal,” she said.
Additional support groups offered by Merrimack Valley Hospice, all of which are free of charge and open to the public, include Cooking and Eating for One, Loss of Adult Child, Loss of Spouse/Partner and LGBTQ+ Grief Support. To register, call (978) 552-4510.
About Merrimack Valley Hospice
Merrimack Valley Hospice is a not-for-profit agency providing comfort care and supportive services to patients nearing the end of life and bereavement services to their families and loved ones. Together with Home Health VNA, the agencies provide a full continuum of home health and hospice care in more than 110 communities throughout northeastern Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire and southern Maine as York Hospital Hospice. For more information, visit MerrimackValleyHospice.org.