Callum was referred to Guy’s Gift for bereavement support after experiencing the death of his dad last year.
At the point of referral, Callum had told school that he could not talk to his mum about his dad because it upsets her too. He told school that instead he cried when he was on his own. Callum’s school attendance was rapidly declining after his dad died, and school were concerned for his emotional welfare and lack of routine.
To begin with, Callum found it tricky to talk about his dad. He didn’t find it easy to think about the memories he had with his dad, good or bad ones.
Guy’s Gift were patient with him and gave him lots of reassurance he so desperately needed. As time went on, and Callum became more familiar and comfortable with his bereavement support worker, he began to find it easier to talk. He was able to recall some happy memories of being on Dad’s shoulders and playing aeroplane.
By the second session, he had made a salt jar. He was able to recall many memories of Dad and was so pleased with his jar at the end that asked to show his class teacher what all his chosen colours meant to him. School commented on how this had been a huge difference from before the sessions, where he had not wanted to mention Dad at all. Callum was ready to start talking more openly about his dad with other people.
During his time spent with Guy’s Gift, he became better able to identify his own emotions and even came up with his own strategies for managing these. Anger was a big one.
Sharing books with other people’s stories of grief really helped Callum to recognise that there are others who have had similar things happen. It helped to take away the isolation that he was feeling in his own grief.
When Callum’s sessions came to an end, he told us he really enjoyed the sessions and that they helped him to think about his dad and to know what to do when he was feeling sad or angry. School told us they saw how much he had progressed. He was better able to concentrate in his lessons and felt confident to talk with his teachers and put strategies in place to help him manage his emotions.
Sometimes, it takes a little longer to feel ready or comfortable to talk – but Guy’s Gift are here to support children and young people when they need us.
