Residential trip for bereaved children and young people

Sunday 14 August 2022

The Sunflower Project will be hosting its fifth annual residential trip for bereaved children and young people.

The Youth Commission bereavement service is inviting anyone between the ages of eight and 16 who has had a parent or sibling die to join the weekend trip next month.

Activities are designed to explore practical solutions, build confidence and encourage teamwork in a caring and supportive group. A spokesperson for the project said it aimed “to reduce the sense of isolation that such a loss can bring”. 

Pictured: The weekend includes team building and ice breaker activities. 

The group also hosts a “Doc Spot” as part of the activities. 

“We are delighted that Dr Tom is coming along again this year for the Doc Spot. He provides a chance for the group to ask some of the questions that might worry them, perhaps something about what happened to their loved one or why sometimes there isn’t a cure,” said the spokesperson. 

“This is always one of the most valuable elements of the weekend and we really appreciate Dr Tom’s contribution. Over the weekend sessions include fun ways to deal with difficult feelings, physical activities to release spare energy, opportunities for being creative and times to be a little quieter.”

Project Lead, Denise Ozanne, said the weekend had become one of the highlights of the Sunflower calendar. 

Pictured: The weekend is for anyone aged between eight and 16 who has lost a parent or sibling. 

“Every year young people amaze us at how quickly they start to relax, have fun and make friends. We never underestimate how much courage it takes to come along to the weekend with people you’ve never met before but the plan ensures everyone feels part of the group from the start,” said Ms Ozanne

“One of the aspects the staff notice is how the children in these groups are so kind. There is a real sense of caring for everyone. Last year the participants suggested a regular meeting and now we have the Sunflower Club which runs fortnightly."

The weekend is funded by the Smile for Georgie Foundation. Jenny Le Page from the foundation said: “‘The aims of the weekend make it an ideal event for us to support. It was lovely to see the video from last year with all the children encouraging others to get involved."

Pictured: The weekend is held at Rue Maingy and is a chance for bereaved children and young people to take part in fun activities. 

“They always have great fun with the activities. The weekend includes climbing with Outdoor Guernsey and some tasty treats for tea.”

You watch a video from last year’s weekend HERE

One young person in the video said: “[The Sunflower Project Residential] made me realise there are lots of people in the same boat as me. You should try it because there are lots of fun activities and I really enjoy it."

Pictured: Project Lead, Denise Ozanne, said she was amazed by how quickly the children "start to relax, have fun and make friends" on the residential weekend. 

This year’s residential will be held on 17 and 18 September. It will be based at the Scouts Headquarters at Les Maingy Activity Centre with overnight accommodation in the hostel. 

For further information and to book a place please email  denise.ozanne@youthcommission.gg, call 226099 or text 07781 433 838 as soon as possible.