Our Programs for Children and Youth
Let’s jump puddles together
Children do not experience grief in the same way adults do. Children can experience grief like puddle jumping — they may jump in and out of big feelings suddenly and unexpectedly. Their feelings may come and go, and their behavior may shift depending on their age, development, and personal circumstances. Grief can be emotional, confusing, and unpredictable — and it’s important to remember that it is always okay to feel.
About our Child and Youth Program
Our Child and Youth Program provides compassionate grief and bereavement support for children, youth, and families experiencing grief through the death or anticipatory grief of an important person in the child’s or youth’s life.
Through counselling, peer support groups, outreach support, and creative activities such as art, gardening, drumming, yoga, and music, the program offers safe and supportive spaces where young people can express emotions, build connections, and feel understood throughout their grief journey.
The program also includes a dedicated Children and Youth room and garden, creating welcoming spaces for play, creativity, reflection, and emotional expression in a safe and supportive environment.
The Outreach Vehicle program brings compassionate grief and bereavement support directly into the community, helping improve accessibility for children and youth who may require support. The Outreach Vehicle visits local schools and community locations, providing safe spaces, education, and connection for students experiencing grief through the death or anticipatory grief of an important person in the young person’s life.
For Our Clients
For an intake appointment to become our client, making an appointment for sessions, or learning more about the programs, please call 250-591-8811 or email to reception@nanaimohospice.com .
Services and programs are offered in-person, virtually, and by phone as is appropriate to the child or youth. Please contact us for more information.
Counselling
Our Child and Youth Counselling program provides compassionate support for children and youth navigating grief. Through age-appropriate counselling, creative expression, and emotional support, the program offers a safe space for young people to explore their feelings and build healthy coping skills.
Counsellors:
The Outreach Vehicle Program
The Outreach Vehicle program brings grief and bereavement support directly into the community, providing safe spaces, education, and connection for children and youth experiencing grief through the death or anticipatory grief of an important person in the child’s or youth’s life.
1:1 Programs
Bronte Pike
Jim Nelson
Group Programs
For our community (Clients and Non-Clients)
Intro To Grief-Child and Youth Grief
A 1-hour session intended for anyone who is supporting a child/youth grieving the loss of someone close. Grief can be emotional, unpredictable, and overwhelming. Together, we’ll explore insights, coping strategies, and take-home resources to help you support those around you.
We offer a variety of sessions at different times throughout the year. For more information about current or upcoming sessions and programs, please click here, contact us at 250-591-8811 or email reception@nanaimohospice.com.
Referrals
Referrals to this program are made from schools, families, doctor’s offices, churches and community agencies. If you are 14 or older, you may refer yourself.
"For adults, grief is like wading through this enormous river, whereas for children its puddle jumping, but when they are in that puddle its no different to the river" -Julia Stokes, Winston’s Wish
Our Child and Youth Program provides compassionate grief and bereavement support for children, youth, and families experiencing grief. Through counselling, peer support groups, outreach support, and creative activities such as art, gardening, drumming, yoga, and music, the program offers safe and supportive spaces where young people can express emotions, build connections, and feel understood throughout their grief journey.
The program also includes a dedicated Children and Youth room and garden, creating welcoming spaces for play, creativity, reflection, and emotional expression in a safe and supportive environment.
In 2025, the program continued expanding community outreach and support services through the Outreach Vehicle, helping bring grief support directly into local schools and the community.
The Outreach Vehicle program brings compassionate grief and bereavement support directly into the community, helping improve accessibility for children and youth who may need support. The Outreach Vehicle visits local schools and community locations, providing safe spaces, education, and connection for students experiencing grief.
In 2025, the Outreach Vehicle expanded its services to operate in the community two to three times per week, supporting students at 14 elementary schools and five secondary schools throughout the region.
The Outreach Vehicle
The children’s session room
For more information, please visit
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