Hilltop Activity Days – Summer 2025

We held two therapeutic activity days for bereaved children & young people at Hilltop Activity Centre in August. Each day was catered for different age groups; we had 14 young people aged between 8 – 17 years old attend on the first day and 12 children under 8 years old on the second day. Across the weekend, we also had a total of 30 parents and carers attend alongside their children.

 

Our activity days are designed to provide a supportive and therapeutic environment where the children can connect with others who have also experienced a bereavement. For the 8 – 17 year olds the activities ranged from outdoor team building on the high ropes to memory jar making, meeting the Pets as Therapy team and a doctor’s question time with GP and Nelson’s Journey Trustee, Alison.

 

One of the defining moments of the weekend is the candlelight ceremony, everyone sat in a large circle in a darkened room, and one by one lit a candle in memory of the person that has died. They then went around the circle again and blew the candles out, giving them the opportunity to say goodbye. It was an emotional weekend, but both days finished with smiling faces and children left with lots of new skills to help cope with their feelings of grief.

 

Our Child Bereavement Services Manager, Rebecca said “On Saturday the young people pushed their limits, demonstrating remarkable physical and emotional courage. With support from Nelson’s Journey staff and volunteers, they shared their stories, honoured their loved ones’ memories and developed strategies to cope with challenging emotions. Their enthusiasm and compassion were inspiring and the support they showed one another was truly exceptional.”

“On Sunday, the children were full of energy and engaged positively with activities to explore their feelings and memories of their special person. Their parents/carers were encouraged to explore their own grief, develop a greater understanding of their child’s grief and how to best support them.”

“A big thank you to all that made the weekend possible; our staff, volunteers and Hilltop staff – also to the families themselves for joining us over the weekend.”

 

If you require support and would like to talk to one of our team, please call our support line on 01603 431778