For a child, grief can feel confusing, overwhelming, and even frightening. Children often experience and express grief differently from adults. They may have questions, changes in behavior, difficulty at school, or moments when they seem perfectly fine—only to become upset later. These are all normal parts of grieving.
At Hospice & Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard, we believe children should not have to navigate grief alone. We have several offerings to support children experiencing grief.
Individual Children’s Bereavement Counseling
We offer 1-1 bereavement counseling to children who have recently experienced a death in the family or of someone else they are close to. Our licensed counselors are trained to provide compassionate, age-appropriate support to help children understand their feelings, express their grief, and build healthy ways to cope.
Camp by the Sea is our one-day grief camp for children in grades K–8, which provides kids with opportunities to connect with others who have experienced the death of someone important to them, at any point in their life. Through conversation, creative activities, play, and remembrance, they can explore their feelings in a safe and supportive environment. Licensed counselors and trained volunteers offer support and facilitate activities for campers throughout the day.
Grief-Informed Programs for Children
HPCMV’s counselors offer grief and trauma-informed community programming for children who may participate whether or not they have personally experienced grief. These events, such as Sweets by the Sea and Seedlings by the Sea are focused on play, expression, connection, and making memories. During these programs, there are opportunities to share memories and discuss topics relating to the cycle of life and “What is Hospice?”
Support Groups
In the event of a significant community loss, HPCMV counselors are available to coordinate with school leadership to offer grief support groups for children and teens in schools on-Island. Groups offer the opportunity for children to connect with others with a shared experience of grief.
No child should have to grieve alone
Supporting a grieving child does not mean taking away their pain. It means helping them feel heard, understood, and supported as they learn to live with their loss. We aim to help children move through grief while building resilience, confidence, and hope for the future. HPCMV is here to help children and families find their way forward, one step at a time. If your child is in need of grief support, please reach out to our team at 508-693-0189.