Devonshire Feb 16

continued... Balloons
a safe space for grieving children to
tell their grief story; to process anger,
to unpack guilt and to rebuild a more
constructive framework for coping.
Families report that the positive
impact of Balloons intervention lasts
long after the 1:1 support had ended.
‘We understand the complex pain that
families go through, especially after a
tragic and catastrophic death. Supporting
vulnerable children and young people after
bereavement is what makes us civilised
as a society’
Sara Bennett, Balloons CEO
Many of the referrals come from
schools. Educational professionals
note the negative impact that
bereavement has on the child’s
school attendance, engagement in
lessons, compliance with homework,
anger management and peer
relationships. Allowed to continue
unchecked, that unprocessed grief
has a long term negative impact on
Balloons supports children to find ways to manage feelings of
anger, abandonment and guilt.
children’s educational pathways. The
largest group of children who are
school excluded for bad behaviour
before age 9 are those who have
suffered a bereavement (Home
Office). Educational professionals
note that with the support of
Balloons, children remain engaged
with their studies and maintain
positive, supportive friendships with
their peers. They find ways of coping
in school despite their grief and can
continue their educational journey in
a positive way.
Balloons can’t stop the trauma
of the death of a loved one from
happening, but they can intervene to
improve the chances of the affected
children coping positively with their
loss so that the long term negative
consequences are minimised. In
particular, Balloons supports children
to find ways to manage feelings
of anger, abandonment and guilt.
Responses to bereavement are
complex, and left alone to cope
children can feel isolated, confused
and overwhelmed. Statistics clearly
indicate the huge spike in referrals
to mental health support services
for children affected by bereavement.
Anxiety, depression, self-harm and
suicide are significantly higher
amongst bereaved children. Balloons
uses creative interventions and builds
‘I missed my mummy and I was afraid
because she was gone. My Balloons lady
let me talk about mummy when no one
else could’
Grieving child - aged 8
The grieving process is a journey and
children need to know that adults will
walk with them on this journey by
helping them process their feelings.
Allowing the child to talk about the
hurts they are experiencing in their
own way and at their own time is
one of the best ways to teach a child
positive coping skills for their grief
and for life.
‘Grief is not a disorder, a disease or a sign
of weakness. It is an emotional, physical
and spiritual necessity, the price you pay
for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve’
Earl Grollman
If you want to know more about the
amazing work that Balloons does,
you can contact the CEO, Sara
Bennett, on 01392 826052 Email
- sarabennett@balloonscharity.co.uk
Allergy Clinic of the Year 2015 - Devon
& Recognised Leader in Intolerances
& Digestive Disorders - UK
Allergy Clinic of the Year 2015 - Devon
& Recognised Leader in Intolerances
& Digestive Disorders - UK
If you suffer from any of the complaints listed above,
a simple one hour test could transform your life.
Itʼs non invasive, quick, painless and immediate!
01803 401001 / 07810 750940
www.thedevonallergyclinic.co.uk
The
BODY ST YLE
EXETER
The Ultimate in Body Toning
Join the new owners, Anne and Pauline, to
browse ranges of jewellery, handbags and
other accessories, whilst chatting with friends
and losing inches all at the same time!
Feel free to call to find out more.
10 reasons to use Toning Tables
Perfect for all ages
A proven system for inch loss
Stimulates circulatory system
Relieves stress and tension
Increases flexibility & mobility
Improves posture
Relaxing, gentle exercise in
a comfortable position
Ideal for any fitness level
Assists with stiffness of joints,
rheumatism, arthritis etc.
They make you feel GOOD!
01392 428004
77 Fore Street, Heavitree, Exeter EX1 2RN
94
Countryside, History, Walks, the Arts, Events & all things Devon at: DEVONSHIRE magazine.co.uk