YOUNG children who have been impacted by the death of someone close to them are being invited to come along to a free summer picnic being hosted by St Clare Hospice. 

The event is taking place in the Hospice grounds from 11am to 2pm on Thursday 3^rd August and is aimed at bereaved children aged 4 to 6 years.  

On the day, there will be crafts, games and activities inspired by the children’s book, The Rabbit Listened, led by St Clare’s Patient and Family Support Team. 

Project manager Chloe Rich said: “The Rabbit Listened is a simple but powerfully written and beautifully illustrated book that we often draw on when supporting very young children who have experienced loss.  

“During this very special picnic in our lovely Hospice gardens, we will be providing light touch bereavement support through fun, hands-on activities and play inspired by this tender tale of a little boy called Taylor who is coming to terms with something sad.  

“Written by Cori Doerrfeld, the story is an important lesson in empathy and the power of listening in order to help comfort the little people in your life, with our event aiming to teach children how to better cope with change and loss, how to listen and support others through exploring different emotional responses.” 

Places are limited to 12 and no previous link to the Hospice is required to attend. Parents/carers are not required to stay for the session and a packed lunch must be provided.  

Every child will leave with their own copy of The Rabbit Listened to take home with them.  

For full details, visit stclarehospice.org.uk/event/the-rabbit-listened-picnic, or to book a place, email [email protected]. 

The Rabbit Listened Picnic is kindly sponsored by Loughton-based micro-business consultancy OpsWiz.