A HOSPICE service which helps young people deal with the deaths of their loved ones is celebrating six months since it was founded.

Coinciding with the Children in Need appeal show tomorrow evening, St Clare Hospice’s Children and Young People’s Bereavement Service turns half a year old, having been set up with a major grant from the nationwide fundraising campaign.

Since June, 22 young people and their families who have lost someone cared for at the Hastingwood Road facilities have been given various forms of support.

Part of the counselling offered is led by arts psychotherapist Catherine Kiff.

She said: “I run one-to-one counselling sessions with the child or young person, working creatively through the arts, which includes painting, drawing and collage, to help them to get in touch with the emotions and feelings that they find difficult to put into words.

“These sessions may take place in the Hospice itself, in the child or young person’s school or college, or at a location in their community. Wherever and whenever is most appropriate for that young person.”

“I also support families with children in our Inpatient Unit at the Hospice, speaking to them about how to break difficult news to children and young people, such as the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness or how to tell a child that their family member or loved one won’t be getting better.”

For more information about the service contact the Patient and Family Support Team on 01279 773742 or visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk/care/support-families