19th June 2025
A unique narrative programme is supporting young people across the Southern Trust area to cope with bereavement or loss of a family member.
Co-designed by young people and health and social care professionals, ‘Seasons of Life’ has been supported by the Q-Exchange quality improvement funding programme.
Seasons of Life workshops are delivered in post-primary schools by a multi-disciplinary team, including specialist school nursing, paediatric psychology, the Trust bereavement co-ordinator and Cruse bereavement support services.
The workshops are offered to young people who have experienced a bereavement of a family member or friend, or another significant loss such as a breakdown in family circumstances.
Through the use of art and story telling, young people are encouraged to think about signs of grief and are offered ways to cope with their feelings and experiences. They are signposted to other helpful services and can avail of one-to-one support if needed.
Since the project started as a pilot during children’s grief week in November 2023, it has benefited 75 young people aged 11-18 years from schools in Dungannon, Keady, Newry and Craigavon. In one school a memorial piece of art was created by the young people, an Arts Care artist and Seasons of Life project coordinator.
Dr Sinead Hannan Assistant Head of Psychology Services, Clinical and Occupational Health for Southern Trust explains: “Grief is a natural response to loss and can affect every aspect of a young person’s life, physically, emotionally, and socially. Bereavement, especially during childhood, plays a significant role in shaping wellbeing. One in 29 children aged five to sixteen has experienced the death of a parent or sibling, equivalent to roughly one child in every classroom.
“Seasons of Life provides a supportive space for young people to explore their grief through a collaborative approach involving health services, education, and the voluntary sector. Here, young people are encouraged to share their stories of strength, loss and resilience, with both professionals and peers who understand their experience. Our goal is to empower them to actively engage in their grief journey, develop healthy ways to cope with their emotions, and access timely support, helping to prevent more complex needs from arising later on.”
Michelle Mooney, Seasons of Life Co-ordinator for the Southern Trust added: “Most young people will not need professional help to cope with grief if supported sensitively by family, friends and their school or community networks. However, some issues stemming from unaddressed grief can sadly escalate to a crisis point. Seasons of Life helps us proactively reach young people at a much earlier stage and offer intervention if needed. We have received 43 requests for further one to one support from young people who may not otherwise have come to our attention to a much later point.
“All schools involved have thoroughly embraced the programme, developing bereavement policies, training staff and setting up peer support groups to support the wellbeing of their young people at the heart of their educational journey.”
Feedback from young people, teachers and family members has been overwhelmingly positive, for example:
“The workshops made me feel less lonely in my grief. I have made new friends from different year groups and we keep in contact.”
“The workshops were fun, and I think they should be permanent in this school. I would love to go again.”
“I am so thankful the children got to attend this workshop. Due to the change in them, other family members have now sought support for themselves and we have all benefitted.”
“The team demonstrated remarkable skill in building trust and connection with our students. Their approach fostered a genuine sense of safety and participation, allowing even the most hesitant pupils to engage meaningfully.”
The Seasons of Life team have a waiting list of schools interested in future workshops and are keen to adapt for primary school ages.
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