The Children's Service at The Haven provides a safe, supportive and hopeful environment for children and their families who experience bereavement or a life limiting illness.
During times of acute emotional distress children often feel isolated, lost and unsure, resulting in emotional and behavioural problems such as anger, guilt, anxiety and depression. This can be difficult to cope with as a parent or carer.
Peer Support
Our peer support programme helps children realise they are not alone. The Haven is a place where they can be themselves, open up about their thoughts and feelings, or just laugh and have fun like anyone else.
Throughout the year, weekly activities help promote confidence and emotional awareness in all ages. Recent activities have included digital animation, arts & crafts, indoor climbing, mountain biking, circus skills, yoga and aromatherapy. It's all about fun and friendship and trying something new.
Activities take place every Monday from 4.30-5.30pm during term time. We have lots of fun things planned for 2010/11 including guitar lessons, photography and an adventure day at the EICA Ratho.
September - story writing
October - aromatherapy
November - arts & crafts
December - Pantomime, Christmas party
"I am less scared because I can talk about things." (Ashley, age 10)
"I like The Haven, it's a place I can just be me. I feel more confident because people listen to me and nobody judges me." (Lauren, age 12)
Family Support
As a family, parents and carers are also supported, from understanding the changing needs of a bereaved child to the development of coping strategies to support the evolving family unit. Ongoing specialist support is offered to help deal with the challenges of parenting a bereaved child and supporting a child when a parent is diagnosed with a life limiting illness.
"Kimberley is happy and excited again. Over the last two years there has been an improvement in her, all down to The Haven".
"Tom loves the classes - the time he has is his time".
"Simon and Mark are more relaxed and happier to talk about things".
For more information please contact Brenda on 01698 727884.
