Postcard Pointers: Grief Support
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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