Helping kids heal: Children’s grief support group begins this month in Idaho Falls
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IDAHO FALLS — An eastern Idaho program designed to help children and teenagers cope with the death of a loved one is returning this fall.
Hospice and Palliative Care of Eastern Idaho will begin its nine-week Heartstone Children’s Grief Support Group on Wednesday, Sept. 16. The group will meet every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the YMCA in Idaho Falls.
Heartstone is open to children and teens ages 5 to 18 who have experienced the death of a family member or another important person in their lives.
The program gives young people a place to meet others who understand what they are experiencing while helping them find healthy ways to process and express grief.
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“Everybody shares their grief and learns from each other, plus the kids get to have a friend who just knows and understands,” Heartstone founder Anna Long said.
Sessions include age-appropriate activities, conversations and creative expression. Organizers say the goal is to help children understand their emotions and recognize they aren’t alone in experiencing loss.
“It’s honestly just an open conversation,” Heartstone counselor Eric Davenport said. “You can discuss whatever is on your mind. It’s processing whatever you’re going through.”
Families who have participated say the program can also help adults who are trying to support a grieving child.
“Since Heartstone, my granddaughter has been able to more freely share feelings and worries that she didn’t have the words to express before,” Camille Moon Cook said. “She looks forward to group every week. I have also found healing through connecting with other adults who are grieving while navigating how to support a grieving child.”
Heartstone is offered by Hospice and Palliative Care of Eastern Idaho in partnership with the YMCA in Idaho Falls. The program is supported through community fundraisers and donations.
Registration is required. Those interested can contact Hospice and Palliative Care of Eastern Idaho at (208) 529-0342 or hei@hospiceofeasternidaho.com for more information.