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The Sunflower Project (part of the Youth Commission for Guernsey and Alderney) provides bereavement support for children and young people. At the end of September, 8 young people aged 7-12 selected to attend the annual Therapeutic Weekend.
The aim of the weekend is to reduce the sense of isolation that the loss of a parent or sibling can bring and to provide support to young people navigating their grieving journey. The weekend was a big success, and the young people took part in a range of activities to explore their feelings about the death of their special person, through physical, practical, and creative activities that encouraged teamwork, build confidence and self-esteem.
Huge thanks are extended to The Smile for Georgie Foundation who funded the weekend. Jenny Le Prevost from Smile for Georgie said, “we are pleased to continue to support the Sunflower Project to offer this opportunity to bereaved children. We are delighted to hear the feedback and hear how much fun was had by the children.”
Youth Commission CEO, Lou Leale, said “this really is one of the highlights of the Sunflower Project calendar. I was delighted to oversee this opportunity for grieving young people to find connection, have space to remember their important person and most importantly have fun.”
We were really happy to be joined again this year by Dr Tom Littlefair for our ‘Doc Spot’ which provided an opportunity for the young people to ask ANY questions. These ranged from questions about cancer, questions about disability and intrigue from the children about why he chose to become a doctor. Dr Tom said, “I love coming each year for this weekend. They always amaze with their bravery and it is great to see the benefit this weekend has had for the young people attending.”
We continue to be grateful for the ongoing support from Project Linus. Their wonderful blanketeers created a blanket for each young person to use during the weekend and take home with them. All the young people snuggled up in them during some of the quieter activities and all were taken up to bed.
Together we aim to reduce the sense of isolation that the loss of a parent or sibling can bring. Hannah Robilliard, Sunflower Worker, said “one of the highlights for me is when the children’s families arrive for the BBQ at the end. The young people were eager to show their parents/carers the activities they had taken part in and the heights they reached on the climbing wall. All who attended were eager to meet up with their new friends and we are delighted to facilitate this at our Sunflower Youth Club for children and young people affected by the death of a parent and carer. I am looking forward to seeing them at club soon.”
For more information about the Sunflower Project please contact the Youth Commission for Guernsey and Alderney either by email:
SunflowerTeam@youthcommission.gg or by calling 07781 433838
