Supporting Children

It’s natural to want to prepare children for what lies ahead, even when it’s difficult to find the right words. You know your child better than anyone else, and you are best placed to help them understand what is happening in a way that feels right for them.

We’re here to support you—offering gentle guidance, helpful resources, and opportunities to make meaningful memories together here at the hospice.

Twilight Group

Our Twilight Group is a welcoming, creative space for families within the hospice community. Here, children and an adult family member can spend time together, share experiences, and express themselves through creative activities.

We often spend time outdoors, enjoying the calming and therapeutic effects of nature, and families frequently form lasting friendships with others who truly understand.

 Family Events at Deer Park

In the school holidays we invite families in the Hospice community to come together, often outside in our beautiful grounds.

Families share experiences, exploring nature, joining in craft and seasonal activities. It’s a chance to talk, build friendships and enjoy family time. Oh and our home baked cakes and packed lunches are always a big hit!

Helping you tell the children

As parents and carers, our instinct is to protect children, and it can feel hard to share news we know will upset them. But children often sense when something isn’t quite right, and without clear information, their imaginations can sometimes make things feel even more frightening.

Being open, honest, and reassuring in your conversations can help children feel safer and more supported.

Gentle guidance for talking with children:

• Be honest and use clear language
  Words like “dying” or “died” can feel difficult to say, but they help avoid confusion. Softer phrases such as “going to sleep” or “passing away” can sometimes be misunderstood by younger children.
• Share information in small, manageable parts
  Children take in information differently. Keep explanations simple and allow space for questions over time.
• Allow emotions to be seen and shared
  Showing your own feelings helps children understand that sadness is a natural response. For example:
  “I’m feeling very sad today, so I’m going to talk to Auntie Karen.”
• Reassure them it’s not their fault
  Children can sometimes blame themselves. Gently remind them:
  “Nothing you said or did caused this.”
• Offer reassurance about their care and future
  Children may worry about who will look after them. Let them know they will continue to be loved, safe and cared for.

Recommended Books

These books can help adults support children through illness, grief and bereavement:

• The Invisible String – Patrice Karst
  A comforting story about the enduring bonds of love.
• Badger's Parting Gifts – Susan Varley
  A much-loved classic about remembering those we’ve lost.
• The Memory Box – A book about Grief -Joanna Rowland
  Encourages children to hold on to special memories.
• The Heart and the Bottle – Oliver Jeffers
  Explores the emotional impact of loss.
• Grandad’s Island – Benji Davies
  A gentle and thoughtful story about saying goodbye.
• Rabbityness – Jo Empson
  A visual exploration of change and loss.
• When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding Death – Laurie Krasny Brown
  A clear, child-friendly guide to understanding death.
• As big as it gets: supporting a child when a parent is seriously ill

This book offers practical ideas and gentle guidance to help parents and carers involve children in what is happening and support them along the way.