How peer support helps children cope better with grief

PROJECT

Dragonflies Bereavement Project

PURPOSE

To support children, young people and families who have experienced bereavement

FUNDING

£313,479 from the National Lottery Community Fund for 2018 to 2023 plus £20,000 a year in fundraising from businesses and charitable trusts

BACKGROUND

In 2006, St Leonards-based charity FSN launched Dragonflies to fill a gap in the provision of bereavement support services for children and young people, identified by a local steering group. “Dragonflies was developed as a peer support project and has evolved from there, with other elements being added on,” says Dragonflies’ manager Francesca Hamilton.

ACTION

Children and young people between the ages of five and 18 attend hour-long peer support groups which run for eight weeks. Groups comprise between six and 12 children and young people, and are delivered in schools or one of FSN’s centres. Schools may request a group be set up or Dragonflies may contact a school to suggest a group if the project has received a number of referrals for children attending the same school. Referrals come from a wide range of sources including schools, early years settings, healthcare, and social services. Parents and carers can also make direct referrals as can children over the age of 15.