Holding On Letting Go is a charity which supports children aged 6-18, throughout Kent, Medway and South London; who are struggling to cope with grief and bereavement.

We offer specialised support to bereaved children and their families who have lost someone close to them. This may be a parent, grandparent, sibling, teacher or friend. In fact, any loss that has left them struggling to cope with grief and bereavement. Following initial assessment, support usually takes place during a non-residential weekend programme which brings together young people who may have never before met anyone in the same situation as themselves; and who might have difficulty ‘opening up’ or asking questions of those closest to them, for fear of causing upset.

Our programme centres on creative activity, music therapy, discussion, counselling and the opportunity for children to share and ask questions in a non-judgemental environment. Coping strategies are explored to enable the young people to manage a range of difficult feelings they may be experiencing. They may have struggled to cope with their grief alone for some time and this can affect school work, confidence, relationships, mental health and well-being.

Parents and Carers also get chance to meet and share their stories and worries and to learn coping strategies to help support their young people. If further support is needed this can also be offered or signposted. We also offer pre-bereavement support to families facing terminal illness and can work with schools, youth organisations and other agencies. Children may be referred by parents, carers, family friends, teachers, health professionals or at their own request. Sadly, demand for our service is ever-increasing and the Covid crisis has doubled our referral numbers – with the added issues of isolation, inability to see loved ones and lack of freedom to attend funerals.

For more information see www.holdingonlettinggo.org.uk