St Christopher's has been providing bereavement counselling to patients’ families for over 40 years. Our Candle Child Bereavement Service extends this support to all children, young people and their families in the south east London area. We also offer specialist training, advice and consultancy services to schools and other agencies working with children facing bereavement.
Just like adults, children react to death in different ways at different times. They may seem to be sad, very naughty, or not to care at all. They may have behaviour or concentration problems at school or home, difficulties with eating or sleeping and feel very anxious or guilty. It can sometimes be difficult to find a way to explain what has happened, to cope with their questions and to manage their behaviour.
We cannot prevent children from feeling sad, angry and hurt, but if we talk to them and include them in what is going on, we can give them our support and understanding.
We offer:
* One to one and group counselling for any child or young person in south east London experiencing loss through death.
* Training, advice and consultancy for local schools and health care professionals.
* Advice service for parents and professional carers.
Address:
Candle Child Bereavement Service, St Christopher's Hospice, 51-59 Lawrie Park Road , Sydenham , London, SE26 6DZ
Umbrella org:
St Christophers Hospice
Telephone:
020 8768 4533 / Switchboard 020 8768 4500
Who is it for:
To all children, young people and their families facing bereavement in 5 boroughs: Bromley, Lewisham, Lambeth, Southwark and Croydon.
Languages:
French, and others by arrangement with interpreters
How to apply:
Any parent, carer, teacher or health care professional can make a referral. Young people over 16 can refer themselves.
Buses:
Bus numbers 197 and 176 pass by the hospice. Bus number 227 stops at the end of Lawrie Park Road.
Train/tube:
London Victoria to Penge East then 15 min walk, London Bridge to Sydenham then 10 min walk, East Croydon to Penge West then 10 min walk
Parking:
There is some parking in the hospice grounds, including disabled bays. There is also free parking in adjoining residential roads. There is a drop off and pick up bay directly outside the main entrance.