International Children’s Book Day with Sunbeams

International Children's Book Day with Sunbeams Bereavement Support Group

International Children's Book Day with Sunbeams

At Rotherham Hospice, our Sunbeams Children’s Bereavement support group understands the importance of gentle, empathetic storytelling in helping children navigate the complex emotions surrounding grief. On International Children’s Book Day, we wanted to share how through carefully selected books, we aim to provide solace, understanding, and a safe space for children to explore their feelings.

One such book that holds a special place in our Sunbeams group is The Huge Bag of Worries by Virginia Ironside. This beautifully illustrated story serves as a poignant metaphor for the burdensome weight of worries that children often carry, particularly in the face of bereavement. Just like the protagonist in the story, children in our group may find themselves hesitant to share their worries with their families, fearing that they may cause further distress. However, through the gentle guidance of our support group sessions, we emphasise that sharing a worry helps to make it get smaller and eventually go away; no-one should carry a bag if worries around with them.

Another recommendation from our Sunbeams group is The Invisible String by Patrice Karst. This heart-warming tale illustrates the enduring connections we share with loved ones, even beyond the boundaries of life and death. Through the metaphor of an invisible string that binds us to those we cherish, the book offers reassurance to children that they are never truly alone, even when separated from loved ones by death. In our support group sessions, we use this book to help children understand that their relationship with their loved ones endure, providing comfort and companionship during times of grief.

These carefully chosen books serve as powerful tools in our efforts to support children through the grieving process. By fostering empathy, understanding, and resilience, they provide a source of comfort and guidance for young minds grappling with loss. As we mark International Children’s Book Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to nurturing the hearts and minds of children through the transformative power of literature.

If you’re interested in exploring these books further or learning more about our Sunbeams Children’s Bereavement support group, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. 

Happy International Children’s Book Day!

Find out more about our Sunbeams Children's Bereavement Support Group here.

Children’s Grief Awareness Week 2023

Children's Grief Awareness week

Children's Grief Awareness Week

When a loved one dies it can be confusing or scary time, especially for children and teenagers. That’s why Sunbeams exists –  Rotherham’s only bereavement support group specifically for young people.

Sunbeams helps children and teenagers to process their grief and express and understand their emotions.

As part of Children’s Grief Awareness Week 2022, our Sunbeams children decorated shapes showing what helps them cope with the loss of a loved one. This was made into the beautiful Sharing Shapes Mural.

Find out about participating in the Sharing Shapes Mural for Children’s Grief Awareness Week 2023 HERE.

Sharing Shapes Mural for Children's Grief Awareness Week
The Sharing Shapes mural 2022 was made by over 80 groups, including Sunbeams, to show how we cope with grief and remember our loved ones.

Sunbeams at Rotherham Hospice​

Sunbeams offers bereavement support to children and teens who are experiencing the serious illness or death of a loved one cared for by Rotherham Hospice.

Our specially trained counsellors provide support through creative activities in after-school groups, as well as family sessions and sessions for parents and carers of children affected by bereavement. 

Over the years, Sunbeams has supported hundreds of Rotherham families during difficult times. You can find out more about Sunbeams and how to get a referral here.

Free resources for carers, parents and teachers

Here are some booklets you may find helpful, click to download:

How you can help

As a charity, Rotherham Hospice relies on the generosity of our amazing community for services like Sunbeams to keep going. 

The quickest & easiest way to support Rotherham Hospice is to become a regular giver. Anything you can give will make a difference to a Rotherham family experiencing end-of-life illness. Thank you.

£20, £50 or £100 raised could make a big difference to Rotherham Hospice

Children’s Grief Awareness Week 2022

Sunbeams meet the team

Children's Grief Awareness Week

It’s #ChildrensGriefAwarenessWeek so we’d like to talk about Sunbeams – Rotherham Hospice’s children’s bereavement support group.

Sunbeams offers bereavement support to children and teens who are experiencing the serious illness or death of a loved one involved with Rotherham Hospice care.

We provide support through creative activities in an after-school group on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The activities are designed to promote positive memories of their loved ones, help them to process and understand their grief and how to express and understand their emotions.

Meet the Sunbeams Team

Cath is from a nursing background, and set up Sunbeams more than 11 years ago. Cath realised the young people of Rotherham need specialist support when somebody they love requires care from Rotherham Hospice, and Sunbeams was born.

Lisa comes from an education background, and joined the Sunbeams team in this year. Together with the amazing Sunbeams volunteers, Lisa and Cath help children and teenagers work through their thoughts & feelings through activities and crafts.

Over the years, Sunbeams has supported hundreds of Rotherham families during difficult times.

You can find out more about Sunbeams and how to get a referral here.

How you can help

As a charity, Rotherham Hospice relies on the generosity of our amazing community for services like Sunbeams to keep going. 

The quickest & easiest way to support Rotherham Hospice is to become a regular giver. Anything you can give will make a difference to a Rotherham family experiencing end-of-life illness. Thank you.