The Forest Project (Children's Bereavement Support)
Together in Grief – The Forest Project supports children and young people following a bereavement. We use forest activities alongside bereavement support to create a safe space in which participants can explore and express their grief.
To book a place for your child/ren, please complete this form
What is Together in Grief – The Forest Project?
It is an innovative programme of support for children and young people who are experiencing bereavement. The project offers them the opportunity to participate in forest activities for example den making, fire building , carving, tree climbing, forest games and cooking around the campfire.
The Forest Project is not a counselling intervention; instead, it offers a child-led approach, providing children with the time, space and freedom to explore their feelings and experiences in a way that feels right for them. Support is delivered by a mix of experienced professionals, all with backgrounds in working with children and expertise in areas such as health, psychology, counselling or play therapy. This enables us to offer sensitive, flexible and age-appropriate support, recognising that every child experiences grief differently and will respond to support in their own way.
Who is it for?
This programme is for children and young people aged 6-17 years who have experienced a bereavement. It does not matter how long ago this might have happened. Children are placed into groups according to age range so they are with similar aged children.
Why does the project take place in a forest?
Being outside in nature can benefit both physical and mental wellbeing. It can:
- improve mood
- reduce feelings of stress or anger
- improve confidence and self-esteem
- help people make new connections
- provide peer support
- help people be more active
- improve physical health
This makes a forest an ideal setting in which to support bereaved children and young people.
What will participants get out of it?
We hope that the children and young people who participate will:
- benefit from having a safe space to explore and express their grief
- find comfort in being with others who understand bereavement
- create beneficial connections with other participants
- learn ways of coping
- learn new skills
- gain confidence to try new activities
- develop a sense of adventure and achievement
- experience better mental and physical wellbeing
Who leads the sessions?
The Team is made up of Forest Leaders and Bereavement Support Facilitators:
- Forest Leaders from Humber Forest School lead the practical forest activities.
- Bereavement Support Facilitators manage bereavement discussions, activities and ensure appropriate therapeutic support.
Where and when are the sessions?
The sessions usually take place in a private woodland in Meaux, near Wawne (HU17 9SS), the home of the Humber Forest School. (If the location has to change, we will be clear about venue when confirming bookings.) Sessions run on four consecutive Saturdays as follows:
Week 1 – 10am to 1pm
Week 2 –10am to 1pm
Week 3 –10am to 1pm
Week 4 –10am to 3pm
Participants will get the most out of the programme by attending all four sessions. Please see the booking form below for the next available session dates.
What equipment/clothing is needed?
Sessions will always take place outdoors in the forest, regardless of the weather – there is a waterproof canopy around the camp fire. Participants need to wear warm, waterproof outdoor clothing that is ok to get messy! Especially in the winter months. Refreshments are provided (you will be asked about dietary needs on booking).
How much does it cost?
The programme is FREE to participants thanks to the very kind funding of our supporters shown below. If transport to the forest or outdoor clothing present any difficulties, please tell us on the booking form and we will help if at all possible.
If you have any questions about the programme contact heather@fitmums.org.uk
To book a place for your child/ren, please complete this form
Short film explaining The Forest Project:
Through funding from the Ideas Fund, with the huge thanks to Bruna at Bruna Martini Films the animation below has been created sharing the voices and experiences of children who have been invoplved in The Forest Project. More infornation about the animation here.
Many thanks to our supporters and funders who enable this project to take place:
