Jo & Mya Programme – the next steps
The Alice House Counselling and Support service has, for many years, been improving outcomes for bereaved children and their families, community wide.
A few years ago, the Hospice became aware of a local man called Ian Richardson who, following the tragic death of his wife Jo and one of their young daughters, Mya in August 2010, had been tirelessly fundraising for the Jo & Mya Memorial Trust. Part of these funds were to be used to help bereaved children and their families and so the Jo & Mya Education Project was launched in November 2015 to provide free training to schools for a period of 2 years.
The Jo & Mya Education Project provides training and education to professionals who work with children and young people on how best to support a child experiencing grief and loss. Whilst not every bereaved child needs bereavement counselling, every child grieves and needs to be supported through their grief by the adults involved in their life.
Working alongside various organisations and professionals we heard similar views being expressed – that staff would welcome training and guidance in supporting a bereaved child and to not be afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing
The 15 hour course entitled “An Introduction to Supporting Children Experiencing Grief and Loss” covers such topics as How Children Grieve, The Role Attachment Plays in this Process, Special Educational Needs, Cultural Differences in Loss and Grief and much more.
The project can also deliver short bespoke courses to meet needs and we pride ourselves on providing a supportive relaxed atmosphere to explore what can often be a sensitive and complex topic.
The 2 years are now coming to an end and it has been a hugely successful programme. To continue this amazing work and open The Jo & Mya Education Project to all professions working with children and young people the programme will continue with the introduction of a course fee. An Early Bird rate of £199 is available for bookings made before the 30th September for the next courses in November and December.
With only 8 places available per course book now to avoid disappointment by contact the Jo & Mya Team on 01429 855555.