Child and Youth Grief and Bereavement
Is your child grieving the death of a loved one?
Grief affects everyone in different ways and know you are not alone.
Children and Youth Grief and Bereavement
Grief is a natural reaction to loss. It can be devastating and can drastically impact one’s life, especially for children and youth. When a significant person of a child or youth has died or is dying, it is important for them to be able to explore and learn what grief is, and how to process it. COHA offers a number of programs and services following our guided principles for children and youth ages 5-19 to help them through this difficult time.
All our programs are confidential and provided at no cost.
One to One Professional Support
When a significant person of a child or youth has died it’s important for them to be able to explore and learn how and what grief is, and how to process it. Counselling services are available to children and youth who are grieving the loss of a loved one
Anticipatory Grief Support
Counselling services are available to children and youth who are experiencing anticipatory grief leading up to the death of a significant family member who is registered on the Central Okanagan Hospice palliative care program of Interior Health.
One to One Expressive Art Therapy Support
Expressive Arts Therapy teaches children and youth how to express feelings in a healthy manner and is a proven method in working with grief. Using art mediums as well as conversation, children and youth are able to explore their feelings, manage behavior, reduce anxiety, heal trauma, increase self-esteem and find new ways to express what words sometimes cannot. Our Expressive Arts Therapist is available to children and youth who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
Grief Groups
One of the most difficult challenges for children and youth experiencing a death is feeling different. COHA staff and volunteers create a safe, supportive environment for children and teens grieving a loss to come together and make connections through a variety of expressive art and play activities. Groups are offered up to 3 times per year for 8 weekly sessions and are available for children ages 5-12, as well as youth ages 13-19.
Outreach Capacity Support
COHA offers support in an outreach capacity to children and youth in School District 23. Support before and after school hours is available (space permitting) and can be arranged through the school counsellor.
Horse Whisperer Grief Camp
This one day camp uses horses to build valuable coping skills when dealing with the stress of a loss. Activities include riding, grooming, horse husbandry and a nature walk. Camps are held twice a year and are available to children and youth ages 5-19.
Expressive Arts Activity Nights
Children and youth often have difficulty expressing thoughts and feelings with words. Our expressive art themed nights aim to help children and youth remember and honor their loved ones. Examples of activities include paint nights, journaling classes, and music therapy
Our Wellness Program focuses on an integrated a holistic approach to support the mind, body and spirit. Click here to learn more about our wellness services.
Anyone can make a referral to our Bereavement Program. Please contact Ian Kunitski at 250.763.5511 for more information.
Upcoming Programs Spring 2024
Expressive Arts Night for Teens
“Pieces of Grief Smash Pot”
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
4:00pm to 5:30pm at COHA August Centre
Youth between the ages of 12-19
Registration is required by calling Kendall Schultz at 250.763.5511
(This class is now full. Call to join our waitlist & get updates on future sessions.)
Children’s Grief Support Group
May 8, 2024 to June 19, 2024
Wednesday’s from 4:00pm – 5:30pm at COHA August Centre
Children between the ages of 6-12
Registration is required by calling Kendall Schultz at 250.763.5511
Horse Whisperer Grief Camp
Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
Location will be provided – Refreshments and lunch included
Children between the ages of 6-17
Registration is required by calling Kendall Schultz at 250.763.5511
Thank You
During our 2023/2024 fiscal year, we would like to acknowledge the following organizations for supporting our child and youth grief and bereavement services as follows:
PUR KIDS Foundation
RBC Foundation
Children’s Grief Foundation of Canada
Central Okanagan Foundation
Hamber Foundation
Thank you for providing donations and grants to support this program in helping young souls through their grief. Together, we are making a difference.
Horse Whisperer Grief Camp 2023
With our donor’s support, we were able to offer our first Horse Whisperer Grief Camp, a one day camp offered to children and youth ages 5-19, who have experienced the loss of a family member or friend.
COHA’s Guiding Principles:
- To provide a safe, non-judgmental space for grieving children and youth to meet and talk about their feelings and experiences
- To provide information about grief and loss to children and youth to help them understand and normalize their feelings
- To decrease feelings of isolation and loneliness that many children and youth feel following the death of a significant person
- To communicate openly to children and youth about death, grief and loss to help them move forward in life
- To provide opportunities for children and youth to express and process their grief through therapeutic toys, games, art, music and play
