Art, music and friendship at Siblings’ Day
During our two dedicated therapeutic days in October half-term, supported and bereaved siblings explored a variety of emotions through engaging activities. Organised by our Family Support team, the siblings’ days took place at Shooting Star House with the help of staff and volunteers.
Upon arriving, the siblings engaged in an icebreaker activity, colouring in, painting and decorating a banner with feathers. This helped them get to know new additions to the group and allowed others to reconnect if they had attended siblings’ days in the past.
Next, the children split into groups to enjoy a circuit of activities. Among the highlights were fun games and splashing around in the hydrotherapy pool. They also had the chance to develop their musical talents with Rock Steady, learning popular songs like George Ezra’s “Shotgun” and Queen’s “We Will Rock You” on electric guitar, bass, keyboard, drums and vocals.
For a more calming experience, siblings participated in mindful activities led by Art Therapist Kate Wiggs and Music Therapist Henry Tufton. They created mosaics from magazines and newspapers, expressing something personal that they wanted others to understand about them.
We had another fun craft session, led by Events Assistant, Hannah Pickup and Lead Therapist, Marion Barton. During this activity, siblings were asked to create a spook-tacular drawing, with an added option to create art through tin foil and water to create a boo-tiful background, along with creating charming decorative toadstools to take home.
“It is so important for our supported and bereaved siblings to spend time together,” said Shooting Star Lead Therapist, Marion Barton.
“For many children they may be the only one at their school or in their community with a story such as theirs and it is quite a revelation to them to spend time with other children who share their experiences.”
“Since the launch of our new specialist bereavement service, we have seen a rise in the number of bereaved children attending these groups. We are so impressed with their willingness to try something new, share their stories and socialise with each other. The feedback we receive from these children is wonderfully positive and they tell us many times over how much they enjoy making and maintaining friendships through these events.”
A bereaved sibling shared their experience of finding comfort among those facing similar challenges: “It really helps being in an environment with others who understand what you’re going through,” they said. “I really enjoyed the swimming; it was just so much fun!”
Another child added, “My favourite part was all the craft activities – making mosaics was the highlight of my day.”
Siblings’ days are only possible thanks to your support. We need to raise £10 million a year to keep our service running, find out more about the ways you can help.
