A fun day for bereaved and supported siblings

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices bereaved and supported sibling’s day was tremendously fun for all those who attended. With the bereaved siblings day and supported siblings day being on separate days, the children were able to socialise with other children in similar circumstances.

Many children attended on both days, and the first activity of the days were meeting the creepy crawlies and reptiles, which the children were very excited about. They found it very funny that the chameleon was extremely friendly and wanted to climb up onto their heads! Some children saw their favourite creepy crawlies, and others were a little nervous, but it was a unique and thrilling experience for everyone there.

On the bereaved siblings day, the children then headed to Sparkle Room with the Head of Family Support, Sarah, and Music Therapist, Marion, to remember each of their siblings. To honour them, they each wrote their siblings name down on a whiteboard to share with the group. We try to encourage the children to speak about their feelings and emotions in a safe space, so that we can offer them the support and guidance they need.

The group was then split into two, one to do yoga and the other for a therapeutic workshop. Yoga teacher, Victoria, created a calming atmosphere ready for a yoga and mindfulness session. Rather than referring to yoga poses by their original names, Victoria asked the children to think of their favourite underwater creature and made shapes relating to them. We had starfish, catfish, eels – all sorts!

To end the session, the children made a circle and in the middle was a pretend basket of positivity. Victoria asked each child what they liked about themselves, and they then had to throw it into the positivity basket. This was a lovely way for the children to remember to practice positive thinking and self-acceptance.

Lucy, from the communication and marketing team said “it was so lovely seeing all the children playing and reacting to the all the little creatures and animals. They were super excited from the get go, making it a day full of fun moments and memories. It’s a great space for siblings to come together and have the opportunity to be in a room with people who fully understand how they feel, and can be comfortable sharing whatever they want”.