Simon Says monthly support groups

Our support groups are held across the County of Hampshire. They provide children and their families with safe, creative and compassionate spaces where they can explore their grief. Groups are gently guided by volunteers through organised activities, games, and stories.

Designed with children in mind, the structured yet creative approach offers a gentle framework for them to work through their emotions while being surrounded by others who understand what they are going through.

Support groups help children realise that they are not alone; seeing others going through similar experiences can be comforting and provide an invaluable sense of peer support.

Three core ‘golden threads’ guide everything we do during sessions, and our support groups are built around the following foundational elements:

Each month, we have a different overarching theme which encompasses these golden threads as well as inviting them to look at different aspects of their bereavement.

We currently host 8 support groups throughout Hampshire. They are located within various venues such as community centres and schools.

Support group sessions run on a monthly basis for a period of 2 hours. All groups take place at the weekend during the morning or afternoon, with the exception of the Eastleigh Young Peoples Group which is on a Monday evening.

All locations apart from 2 (information of which is below), cater for children up to the age of 18 years.

Children are required to register to attend our support groups. To do this, please contact our helpline.

Any child up to the age of 18 who is bereaved are welcome at our support groups. Groups are structured to accommodate all ages and abilities.

Support groups are provided at no cost to you, and there is not a limit on how many sessions a child can attend. They are welcome to come to as many sessions as they need.

Children under 11 years of age must have a parent or guardian attend with them, who stays on site.

Additional to the support we provide our children, there is a comfortable and safe space provided for the adults. Here, adults can access refreshments (such as tea, coffee and biscuits), look at resources and chat to one another if they wish.

All parents and guardians with older children are very welcome to stay and access these spaces but are not required to. Please note, however, that there is no adult space provided at the Eastleigh Young Peoples Group due to it being for those over 11 years.

We understand that no two bereavements are the same, nor are the experiences that children or young people go through.

Attending support groups for the first time can feel like a daunting experience. It is perfectly normal (and ok) for both the children and parent/guardian bringing them to group to feel scared, upset or even angry beforehand. Please know that there is help and support available for you, however you may be feeling.

Upon arrival, children and their parent/guardian will be greeted by a volunteer in a blue polo shirt. After signing in, children will be invited to join in to a settling activity and the parent/guardian can make their way to the adults area. There is no rush or pressure to leave a child. If a child does not feel ready to be left, the parent/guardian can stay with them until they are able.

Once all of the children have signed in and settled, the theme for the session will be introduced in the form of an ‘ice breaker’. There is no pressure for children to take part; they are welcome to watch and observe others, or they are welcome to pass altogether and do something different. There will be volunteers available to them with whatever they wish to do.

Following the ice breaker, children are invited to take part in organised activities. This could be a story followed by a game or crafts, or a mixture of all. Where possible, we encourage children to utilise the outdoor spaces for some of the duration of the session.

There is always a refreshment break, which is fitted in and around activities, where children can have something to drink and (most importantly) eat biscuits.

Support groups finish with a restorative activity; it is also a time to reflect on what they have explored in a safe way, before their parent/guardian return to collect them.

As well as the three continuous threads of treasuring memories, coping with big feelings and growing hope, we cover a monthly theme that is linked carefully to grief. Some of the themes that are covered include: