Sharing expertise
The ripple effects of a child’s death reach far beyond the family home, touching schools, workplaces and wider communities. Drawing on feedback from bereaved families, Shooting Star’s psychosocial team is sharing its specialist expertise to help the people and organisations supporting grieving families.
One of the first areas identified as a key area for support was the workplace, after parents shared how difficult it could be to return to work following the death of a child.
“One thing parents quite consistently talk about is their experience of when they connect back with their workplace. It can be a continuous struggle, and a significant additional complication on top of what they’re already dealing with,” explains Shaan Malhotra, West London Counsellor.
In response, Shaan, alongside Counsellor Amanda Wood and Counselling and Therapies Project Lead, Adele Patterson, created a bespoke webinar to assist employers in understanding what helps bereaved parents in the workplace, using research, recommendations and a case study to explore how they might respond in real life.
“Our research showed the level of support received often comes down to the level of comfort and confidence of the line manager. Understandably, not everyone is going to be comfortable talking about grief and death. A good experience in the workplace can take so much pressure off someone facing grief. If we can encourage employers to support bereaved employees with humanity and authenticity, alongside frameworks and policies, they can help a bereaved parent feel safe in their return to work,” shares Shaan.
Understandably, not everyone is going to be comfortable talking about grief and death. The team is also sharing its expertise with schools, with a webinar and Q&A series.
“We’ve been offering school consultations for years, and through these we recognised recurring questions and needs that could be addressed through tailored webinars,” explains Gloria Garbujo, Creative Therapist.
The first school webinar focused on bereaved siblings and explored how grief can present in schools. Future topics will be shaped by schools’ needs, including topics such as grief in the classroom and anticipatory grief.
For Gloria and Abi Davidson, who is also a Creative Therapist, the tools help remind school professionals that they’re part of the wider support network around a grieving family.
Drawing on the team’s day-to-day experience within a children’s hospice, the webinars give school professionals specialist insight, reassurance and practical ideas. “What is particularly special is what we can offer, because it’s coming from a children’s hospice and the knowledge we have working directly with families,” says Abi.
“The team created such a welcoming and inclusive environment, and it was clear how much care and effort had gone into making the session meaningful for everyone. The training session was incredibly valuable and inspiring.”
“It was engaging, informative and thoughtfully delivered, with practical insights that I can genuinely take forward.”
By listening to what families, employers and school professionals need, Shooting Star is extending its expertise beyond direct hospice care, working collaboratively and making a lasting difference to children, families and those walking alongside them.
Like to know more about future sessions? Register your interest to find out more.
