Blue lights glowing around 91原创 will show support for grieving children and teens.
The 91原创 Hospice Society鈥檚 Paint the Town Blue campaign returns again this year, culminating on Nov. 14 which is Children鈥檚 Grief Awareness Day.
The society has been distributing blue light bulbs asking businesses and individuals to light the bulbs on Nov. 14 and display them where the public can see their support for the cause.
鈥淲e wanted something simple to raise awareness,鈥� said Shannon Todd Booth, the society鈥檚 communications and fund development manager.
People are then asked to social media out a photo of their blue bulb participation with the hashtag #CGAD2019 and/or #91原创Cares.
[Story continues below Tweet]
Hey is Nov.14. We need your help to by substituting a blue light bulb & lighting it up in honour of grieving children & teens in our community
鈥� 91原创 Hospice (@91原创Hospice)
Please 鉂わ笍
The day is intended to show young people who have experienced the death of a loved one that they are not forgotten as well as remind people that children and teens grieve.
鈥淐hildren grieve very differently than adults,鈥� she explained.
Children who have lost a loved one may find they need support years later when they reach certain life milestones or make transitions such as entering junior high school or graduating. Todd Booth explained that鈥檚 often when the grief returns because that loved one is not there to share in the joys and sorrows of the young person鈥檚 life.
Due to demand for services for children and teens, the hospice has two full-time staff members overseeing the youth bereavement programming. The society can offer one on one counselling for children even those to young to be in school. It also has support groups for children four and older, and when asked, counselling in the schools.
鈥淪o we are bringing supports to children where they are,鈥� Todd Booth said.
To mark Children鈥檚 Grief Awareness Day 2019, the hospice society has two banners being installed in 91原创 City prior to the day.
As well, the society is hosting two workshops tailored to helping young people.
鈥淲e鈥檙e also excited this year to be offering a couple of workshops, thanks to funding we鈥檝e received through community grants from the City of 91原创 and Township of 91原创,鈥� Todd Both said.
From noon to 3 p.m. on Nov. 14, parents, neighbours, teachers, school counsellors, and anyone interested can attend a session with experts on the topic of best practices to support grieving children and teens.
The second workshop is for professionals and costs $20. Navigating the Family Blueprint is specific about supporting young people when a family member has a serious illness. It鈥檚 4 to 6 p.m. on Nov. 14.
Both workshops take place at H.D. Stafford Middle School, 20441 Grade Cres. People can sign up for the workshops at langleyhospice.com/cgad or call 604-530-1115 for more information.
There are more than 70 people signed up but 鈥渨e still have room for more,鈥� Todd Booth noted.
鈥淲e鈥檝e invited our local youth service organizations to have displays, so folks can take a look at what supports are in place in our community鈥� she noted.
