HASTINGWOOD-based charity, St Clare Hospice, is running a competition offering supporters the opportunity to name their Children, Young People & Family Bereavement Service.

The West Essex and East Herts hospice charity officially launched their dedicated bereavement service for children, young people and families in June 2017 following the receipt of a major grant from BBC Children in Need.

The specialist service, which is run by an integrative arts psychotherapist, provides a range of services to support patient’s relatives and loved ones who are under the age of 18 years. The service offers both one-to-one and group counselling to children, young people and families. Additional services include art therapy groups, therapeutic workshops and family workshops.

Catherine Kiff, St Clare’s Children, Young People and Family Therapist, explained: “Integrative arts therapy helps us to offer emotional support when children, young people and families are faced with the death of a loved one. Using creative materials such as paint, clay, puppets, poetry, creative writing, music, and drama, can support people to access their emotions and communicate the thoughts which they find difficult to talk about.”

Outlining the competition to name the service, Catherine explained: “We are looking for a short, catchy project name that encapsulates the whole service and the support we offer to children, young people, families and schools – supporting them to face death, dying and loss. By giving our service a friendly and fun name, we hope to encourage more people to find out more about it. We can’t wait to hear your ideas!”

If you would like to enter this competition, please send your suggested Name for the project via email to [email protected] The deadline for submissions is 30th June. The winner will be announced shortly afterwards.

For more information on the project, please contact Catherine Kiff on 01279 773723 or email [email protected]