Why Talking Helped Me When I Was Grieving

As part of Children’s Grief Awareness Week (17th to 23rd November) Dominic shares how the counselling support he received at Saint Francis Hospice helped him to cope with the death of his Nan.

Nanny was so kind. She always gave me sweets when we visited and loved giving me head massages. When I felt sad or missed her, having quiet time to think helped, but what really made a difference was having someone to talk to.

Talking about grief helps because you can share what’s on your mind and feel understood, so you don’t feel alone.

Counselling at Saint Francis Hospice was always fun. In one-to-one sessions with Peter, I did things like making my memory box with my initials on one side and Nanny’s on the other, which made me happy. I could talk about how I was feeling and what was happening at school, and Peter always listened and cared. That reminded me of Nanny because she was always interested in what I was up to. Everyone at the hospice was so nice—it felt like a welcoming community.

The group sessions were great, too. They made me feel like I wasn’t the only one going through these emotions, and it was interesting to hear how others were coping. We did fun things like making a Guy Fawkes and going to a Christmas light show. Being with people who understand really helps you deal with grief.

If another child was grieving, I’d tell them to come to Saint Francis Hospice. It’s amazing, it’s free, and they’ll always listen and help you.