When responding to youth impacted by grief there is often a series of complex factors contributing to these moments of human connection & support. As a caregiver, frontline worker, support professional, or camp partner - we recognize the need for resources that can be easily referenced and shared. Designed by Eluna's diligent programmatic teams, we are proud to present these pocket-size postcard pointers with top tips from the field of bereavement support. 

You are welcome to print the Grief Support postcard pointers and distribute freely or you can purchase a set of pre-printed postcards from Eluna to be shipped directly to you or a community organization. 

GRIEF SUPPORT

Pointers:

• Reassure youth that it isn't their fault & they are not alone
• Tell the truth using simple terms
• Embrace feelings without judgment (anger, guilt, fear, etc.)
• Model & encourage healthy routines & creative outlets (art, music, etc.)
• Hold space for quiet moments & activities that bring joy
• Create or order a grief care package with books, comfort items, etc.
• Consider peer support groups & grief camps, such as Camp Erin
• Check in regularly and over time
• Welcome questions & LISTEN! LISTEN! LISTEN!

Things to avoid:

• Empty reassurances such as "All things happen for a reason" or "It's going to be OK"
• Rushing the grief process or trying to fix it - It is ok to not be ok
• Telling someone how to feel or cope such as "Be strong" or "At least...."
• Assuming all grief is the same - let youth share personal experiences
• Questions that produce judgment or trying to make sense of the death
• Silence - youth look to adults for ways to communicate & express feelings

Click here to see the full postcard pointer series

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