The CEO of Feel the Magic, Adam Blatch, was recently interviewed on radio station 2BS 95.1 FM. Adam talked about supporting children and teens bereaved by suicide.
Developmental stages and ages
During the radio interview, Adam addressed the importance of considering developmental stages and ages when providing support to bereaved children. Grief is not the same for every child, nor is the support they require, following the death of a loved one.
As Adam outlined, the Let’s Talk Suicide programs are supported by the NSW Ministry of Health. The programs help children navigate their grief, as well as the narrative around a death by suicide.
The virtual Let’s Talk Suicide program helps children understand mental health, suicide and grief. The program includes a pre-session workshop for parents and an information pack with various tools.
A sense of community and comfort
One of the greatest benefits is that the program allows children to connect with others of similar ages in similar circumstances, providing a sense of community and comfort.
The Let’s Talk Suicide Family Day Camp aims to bring the community closer together to support one another, with activities for the whole family.
Age-appropriate programs
Programs offered by Feel the Magic are divided into three age groups for children aged 7 to 17 years of age due to differing developmental stages of growth. As Adam explained, “We help children grasp suicidal death in different ways at different ages. We ensure that they are supported as they learn and as they grow”.
First of its kind program
Feel the Magic exists to meet the complex needs of young people who are grieving the death of a loved one. The Let’s Talk Suicide program is the first of its kind in Australia, giving children the tools and strategies to help manage their grief. Feel the Magic offers tailored programs to support suicide-bereaved children and their families and to foster a supportive community.
Find out more about Feel the Magic, the various bereavement programs we offer, or register your interest here. You can also book a call with one of the team if you’d like to find out more.