The Bereavement Service
CHUMS Bereavement Service provides community-based therapeutic support for children, young people and their parents/carers. Our sessions are delivered by bereavement-trained therapists and volunteers with decades of specialist experience. We offer a compassionate, reflective space where families can express emotions, share memories, and meet others who understand the impact of loss
Children experience the pain of bereavement just as deeply as adults, though their responses vary based on age, maturity, and understanding of the event.
Adults often try to protect children by avoiding difficult conversations, but our experience shows that honest, gentle communication can help.
When talking with children, it is important to be age and developmentally appropriate, sensitive and honest
Whilst being mindful of remaining age-appropriate, children need to understand what has happened, what the bereavement means within their family and culture, and reassurance that their emotions are normal responses to someone dying.
The CHUMS Bereavement Service
CHUMS provides an innovative series of workshops for children, young people, and their families. Through creativity, gentle reflection, and shared experiences – families can explore grief in ways that feel safe and natural. It’s important to remember that grief is unique to each person, and everyone experiences it differently. These workshops provide families with a gentle, safe space to express feelings, remember loved ones, and discover supportive coping strategies together.
After an assessment with a CHUMS therapist, families are invited to monthly workshops featuring creative and nature-inspired activities. These activities encourage expression, celebrate memories, and help families reflect on what supports them during difficult times. There is no “right” way to participate, and sharing is always optional.
The programme follows the rhythm of the year – using symbols like seeds, sunflowers, autumn leaves, and snowflakes to explore themes of growth, change, and resilience. With a new theme each month, families notice how grief evolves over time and how creativity, connection, and small acts of love and care can support healing.
These workshops offer a space to be together, express emotions, and support one another through the journey of loss and grief.