Losing a loved one is challenging for both adults and children, and for children, it can be particularly confusing. The Nanaimo Community Hospice Society offers unique grief support for children and youth (ages three to 18) in Mid- Island communities, helping them process loss and move forward meaningfully.
“We believe everyone, regardless of age or means, deserves support through life’s challenges, including grief,” says Executive Director Sharon Welch. “Parents and guardians often don’t know where to turn when children experience a death. That’s where we come in.”
Nanaimo Hospice offers a variety of free programs and services to Nanaimo children and youth at both their main office located at 1080 St. George Crescent, Nanaimo, and through their Community Outreach Vehicle. All their programs and services are available through an open referral process and anyone in the community can be referred or refer themselves for support.
Making grief support more accessible
The Nanaimo Hospice Community Outreach Vehicle, sponsored by Mid-Island Co-op, is a unique tool that gives the Nanaimo Hospice team more flexibility in connecting with Nanaimo children who may benefit from their services but face transportation challenges. Essentially a children’s therapy office on wheels, the fully outfitted vehicle offers children a safe space to engage in various types of therapy and navigate the complexities of their grief.
Visiting local schools, the vehicle allows for one-on-one counselling sessions on school grounds. Nanaimo school administrators may request services directly for a student. The Outreach Vehicle primarily visits elementary and intermediate schools, however, in-person counselling sessions for secondary students are available, typically taking place in a private room within the secondary school providing older students with more anonymity.
"I'm honoured to be part of this amazing organization. Being able to support children and youth navigate grief and loss is a rewarding experience," says CYC Grief Counsellor, Bronte Pike. "Our unique program allows Hospice to expand our services in the community using our Outreach Vehicle. Being able to bring services to the schools helps us reach more Nanaimo families."
New group sessions starting this fall:
This fall, a seven-week group program for youth ages 12 to 14 will be available, with a program for ages eight to 11 starting in winter 2024/25. Early enrolment helps with planning and resource allocation. Parents and guardians can inquire at 250-591-8811 or info@nanaimohospice.com.
Supporting the Nanaimo Hospice Society
Less than five per cent of the funding for the Nanaimo Hospice Society comes from Island Health, making the organization heavily reliant on community support to ensure they can continue providing vital services.
Between September 2023 and September 2024, the Society supported 109 children and youth in-house, 18 youth at high schools, and 44 clients through the Outreach Vehicle. Since the Outreach Vehicle’s launch, it has visited 19 elementary schools in Nanaimo and extended its services to daycare as well. Support is also available to youth outside of the Nanaimo Hospice catchment area.
“We’d like to extend a special thank you to United Way BC (UWBC) for providing the financial support needed to create and deliver our new youth programs this fall and winter. It's through support like this that we can assist Nanaimo youth and their families when they need us most,” adds Welch.
Businesses, organizations and individuals can help support the Nanaimo Community Hospice through one-time online donations, monthly donations and their legacy giving initiative. Individuals can also visit the Hospice Shoppe at 1925 Bowen Rd., and shop with confidence knowing that 100 per cent of profits go directly to supporting the Nanaimo Hospice.
Learn more about Nanaimo Community Hospice at nanaimohospice.com or 250-591-8811, or email info@nanaimohospice.com.
