7-WEEK GRIEF AND LOSS SUPPORT GROUPS

These support groups are children aged between 6 and 11 years of age. The adults or caregivers program is run at the same time as the children's group program. The 7-week programs are offered each school term. A separate grief support group for the 3 to 5 age group on Thursday mornings and a play therapy group on Tuesday mornings for 2 to 5 year olds are run conjointly.

The program is fun and includes a mixture of art activities, storytelling, music, breath work and movement. Conducted in an atmosphere of peer support with trained counsellors and volunteer ‘buddies,’ the program is designed to help children express their stories and feelings about loss in a safe way.

The adult’s program incorporates sharing each other’s experiences and education in understanding the grief process and a child’s behaviour after loss. Adults also learn how to listen to their children and how to support children after a session.

4-WEEK PROGRAM FOR BOYS (8-11 YEARS)

This after-school program allows boys aged 8 to 11 years to experience being with a diverse group of men who will teach them how to be masculine without using violence and also demonstrate how to show respect for others.

The boys also learn strategies and skills for dealing with conflict in a non-aggressive manner. This program is fun and active, and parents also receive support through participation in their own support group.

Weekend Program for Teens (12-18 years)

Run at each end-of-term school holidays, this teen program for 12 to 18 year olds is activities-based incorporating a mixture of fun, creativity, small group discussion, sand tray and ceremony work. The program is designed to support teens and get feedback from them on how to support younger children. Interested teens can learn how to support children aged 6 to 11 years and can work alongside these children in the holiday programs.

Counselling Services

Grief and loss counselling is provided to those children and families who have taken part in one of Paradise Kids’ programs and to those referred by other agencies on the Gold Coast. All counsellors have academic qualifications and receive ongoing professional supervision.

Initial and Ongoing Support Services

This service provides children and families with support prior to, during and after participating in a Paradise Kids group support program or counselling session. Initial support is provided through a phone call and a 1-1⁄2 hour appointment to give support to the parent and to place the child in the appropriate Paradise Kids program (or referral to another service). Ongoing support to cope with life’s changes is provided via the phone or in-person, as needed.

Illness Support

This service offers emotional support to children suffering from chronic or life-limiting illness or to those experiencing a crisis in the course of their illness. Emotional and social support is provided through in-home and in-hospital visits, group support at Paradise Kids House and support for siblings and families.

In the future, Paradise Kids hopes to offer holidays on the Gold Coast for sick children and their families so they can enjoy local attractions and have access to programs and counselling at Paradise Kids’ House.

Special Events

These events are for children and families who have used our services. The purpose of the special events are to have fun, receive ongoing support through life’s changes and maintain the link between children, families and Paradise Kids.

Community Presentations and Programs

These programs provide information and support to children and families in conjunction with other agencies and organisations. Grief and loss programs are tailored to the specific losses experienced by the group of children.

Presentations provide information on grief and loss and raise awareness of Paradise Kids services and the importance of grief and bereavement programs and counselling as a healthcare strategy to create a healthy community.

Accomplishments

Paradise Kids provides the following services:

• counselling clients (children and adults)
• support groups (7 weeks in length)
• local families are supported where the child has a chronic illness
• special events for children and their families
• Gold Coast families currently supported

To provide our services in our local area, Paradise kids depends on financial assistance from the community.