Together in Grief – The Forest Project helps children and young people cope with bereavement. We use forest activities, literature and bereavement support to create a safe space in which participants can explore and express their grief.

What is Together in Grief – The Forest Project?

Together in Grief – The Forest Project 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 such as den building, camp fire cooking, tool making, tree climbing, forest games and rope work. They also explore literature to help them understand and express their loss and grief. Grief discussions and support are carefully interwoven into the programme.

Why does the project take place in a forest?

Being outside in nature can benefit both our physical and mental wellbeing. According to mental health charity, Mind, 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

Making a forest an ideal setting in which to support bereaved children and young people. We also hope that the forest setting and activities will suit children who may find a more traditional group approach intimidating.

Who is it for?

TiG – The Forest Project supports children and young people aged 10 to 17 years who are experiencing bereavement. Participants need to be registered with a Hull GP or have a Hull postcode (this is a requirement of the programme funding). If your child does not fit the criteria but is struggling with grief, please contact us anyway and we will provide details of other means of support if we can.

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, both practical and literary
• gain confidence to try new activities
• develop a sense of adventure and achievement
• experience better mental and physical wellbeing

Where and when are the sessions?

The programme takes place in a private woodland in Meaux, near Wawne (HU17 9SS), the home of the Humber Forest School. 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.

Who leads the sessions?

A team of people, all passionate about supporting bereaved children, facilitates the programme:

Forest Leaders – lead the practical forest activities

Bereavement Support Facilitators – manage bereavement discussions and ensure appropriate therapeutic support

University of Hull Research Team – facilitates age-appropriate writing activities in order to help children explore and express their grief

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. 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.

How can I book a place?

To book a place for your child/ren, please complete this form.

If you have any questions about this programme, please contact us on admin@fitmums.org.uk or 07870 654586.

This project is a collaboration between Fitmums & Friends, the Humber Forest School and the University of Hull. It is funded by The Ideas Fund, a grants programme run by the British Science Association and funded by Wellcome, which enables the UK public to develop and try out ideas that address problems related to mental wellbeing.