An online support program for teens in Airdrie experiencing grief will return later this month.
Designed for youth aged 14 to 16 years old, the Airdrie and District Hospice Society's Grief Support Program for Teens is coming back March 23, after the inaugural program was offered last fall. The 12-week program follows curriculum from Rainbows for All Children Canada – an organization that specializes in developing curriculum and training facilitators for children experiencing loss.
Lise Blanchette, the executive director of the Airdrie and District Hospice Society, said the program is still looking for at least three more participants aged 14 to 16 before they will run the program, as only three have registered as of March 10. She cautioned the death a participant is grieving should not have occurred too recently before the program begins.
“We've had some inquiries for 12-year-olds and not enough for the 14-to-16-year-olds, she said. “We want to put it out there that if we have enough registrations for the 12-to-14s, we'll run a program [for the younger age group].”
According to a press release from the hospice society, two facilitators will lead the sessions for teens in Airdrie and the surrounding area. The facilitators have been trained to assist children and youth with appropriate coping mechanisms as they process their grief.
“This program responds to a very important need among youth in Airdrie,” said Lynda Hemsworth, vice-president of the Airdrie and District Hospice Society, in the release. “Bereavement is difficult at any point in life, but when teenagers experience loss, it can be quite intense. We know that the challenges with COVID-19 have been very tough on teenagers and, for those experiencing a loss, that's compounded.”
The sessions will each last an hour and will be conducted via Zoom on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., starting March 23 and running until June 8. According to the press release, the program has been funded by AltaLink through proceeds raised from its 2020 Birdies for Kids fundraiser at the annual Shaw Charity Classic Pro Golf Tournament.
Those interested in participating in the free Grief Support Program for Teens may register or contact the hospice society for more information by emailing [email protected] or by calling 403-880-0420.
“I think it's a very valuable program,” Blanchette said. “Everyone grieves differently and a parent's grief or someone else's grief is not greater than that of the children who are either 12 to 14, 14 to 16 or even six or seven years old.
“Time does heal, but they need tools to help them work through that.”
Permission from a parent or guardian is required to participate, according to the release.
Scott Strasser, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @scottstrasser19
