Support for Grieving Children
Children and teens grieve differently than adults do. For this reason, we offer support based on the idea that children feel most supported when listened to and understood by their peers.
Since 2012, Hospice East Bay’s Bridge Program has offered no-cost, peer-based, humanistic, and holistic grief support for children, teens, and their families. Using expressive arts and play therapy, our trained facilitators assist children and their caregivers in processing grief related to the death of a loved one. There are two modules of the Bridge Program being offered this year which take place at our facility in Pleasant Hill:
Creative Arts & Grief Workshops: May 11, June 22, and July 27!
These 90-minute workshops are designed to help children and teens explore their feelings of grief in a safe and creative environment. While children are in the workshops, we provide a simultaneous support group for parents and guardians. Participation in the adult support group is not required, but adults must stay on the premises. These workshops are provided at no cost, and pre-registration is required. (Download PDF)
Bridge Support Groups: Beginning on September 4th
During the school year, our Bridge Program meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Our 2023-2024 support groups will begin Wednesday, September 4th. These eight-week support groups are for any child, teen, and their adult parent or guardian who has experienced the death of someone important in their lives. A brief phone assessment is required prior to attending the groups and workshops. (Download PDF)
If you would like more information about our grief services for children and families, you can contact Grief Services at (925) 887-5678, [email protected], or submit the form below.