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 approach intimidating.

Who is it for?

Together in Grief – The Forest Project supports children and young people who are experiencing bereavement.

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

How have the sessions helped other people already?

Together in Grief – The Forest Project has been supporting children and young people for some time now. The feedback is positive and confirms that the sessions are helping participants at a very difficult time. For example:

• "Being in nature is fun, doing the activities has helped."
• "I get to be with my friends who understand how I feel."
• "Staff were amazing, so friendly and approachable to kids and parents. Made us all feel at ease, been a massive help to us all."
• "My daughter has thoroughly enjoyed the projects [for] which I am truly grateful. The staff are so very kind and understanding [...]. She felt she was able to discuss her feelings and that she was listened to."

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 – 9.30am to 12.30pm
Week 2 – 9.30am to 12.30pm
Week 3 – 9.30am to 12.30pm
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, including Forest Leaders, who lead the practical forest activities, and Bereavement Support Facilitators who manage bereavement discussions and ensure appropriate therapeutic support.

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 the programme, email our programme coordinator on heather@fitmums.org.uk.

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.