Child & Youth Program
Our dream for the future of our community
If you are a school or parent looking for support, please contact Corenna at 250-286-1121 or at corenna@crhospice.ca or complete an online referral
Kids Together
After-school grief group ages
6-11
Grieving is hard for anyone, but it can be especially confusing for children. The Kids Together Grief Group provides a safe space for children to express their emotions, connect with their peers, and develop healthy coping skills following the loss of a loved one. Through age-appropriate activities and support from trained professionals, children build resilience and emotional strength, helping them process their grief in a healthy way. Early support can make a huge difference in a child's emotional well-being. Facilitated by: Corenna Hult, BSW, RSW, Hospice Child & Youth Program Director.
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Held Every 2nd Wednesday from 3:30-4:30 pm starting October 1, 2025
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Registration required: 250-286-1121 or corenna@crhospice.ca
Youth Together
After-School Grief Group for ages
12-16
Teens face unique challenges when it comes to grief. The Youth Together Grief Support Group offers a safe and supportive space for teens to express their feelings, process loss, and connect with others who understand their pain. Learning to grieve in healthy ways is vital for their emotional well-being, helping them build resilience and navigate life’s toughest challenges. With peer support and guidance from professionals, teens gain the tools they need to cope with loss and prevent long-term emotional struggles. Facilitated by: Corenna Hult, BSW, RSW, Hospice Child & Youth Program Director.
Held Every 2nd Wednesday from 3:30-4:30 pm starting September 24, 2025
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​Registration required: 250-286-1121 or corenna@crhospice.ca
The Program
The Child and Youth Grief Program, developed and implemented by Corenna Hult, RSW, BSW, Program Clinical Director at Campbell River Hospice Society, provides free specialized support for children and teens struggling with loss and grief. This critical program offers a safe environment where young individuals can express their emotions through art, play, and talk therapy tailored to their developmental needs. It is provided at both local schools and the Hospice Care Centre, depending on the child and family's needs. Participants learn to understand their feelings, develop coping skills, and build emotional resilience. The program also includes peer group sessions, allowing children and youth to connect with others who have experienced similar losses, promoting healing through shared experiences.
The Impact
Grief therapy helps prevent long-term psychological issues like depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems in youth by promoting resilience, emotional regulation, and healthier relationships. Early intervention strengthens family bonds and improves community engagement. Youth suicide linked to grief is a critical concern, with 10-20% of grieving youth developing mental health issues such as depression or suicidal thoughts. Suicide is a leading cause of death for those aged 15-24, and grief, particularly from traumatic losses, is a major risk factor. Youth who lose a parent are 1.5 to 2 times more likely to die by suicide. These statistics underscore the urgent need for grief support and mental health care, as grief can significantly contribute to the risk of suicide, especially after sudden or traumatic losses.
How to Get Support
This program has various options, including art therapy, play therapy, holistic healing therapies, group support, child & family group support or one-to-one clinical counselling. These services are offered in local school settings and the Hospice Care Centre. If you are a school needing our services or a family member or caregiver of a child, please call or drop into the Hospice Care Center. All services are at no cost, thanks to our generous Founding Contributors. More Resources
The Funding
In less than two years, our Child & Youth Traumatic Grief Program has changed the lives of hundreds of young people in our community:
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934 children and youth supported
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1,835 hours of counselling provided
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82% of referrals come directly from local schools
This program was created because our community recognized the urgent need: children and youth navigating the devastating impact of traumatic loss. With early intervention, the outcomes are profound—fewer nightmares, better emotional regulation, stronger school performance, and lasting resilience.
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Currently, we are seeking funding support from local businesses to advance this program. As the initial two-year commitments from our Founding Contributors come to a close, we are renewing those partnerships and inviting new partners to invest in this essential program.
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The need is growing, and your leadership ensures no child faces grief alone.
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New Car Dealership Association of Campbell River
Thank you to Raven FM as our media sponsor. Enjoy the interviews provided by our Founding Contributors and learn why they are supporting this critical program for our community.
The development of the program was supported in part by the Community Services Recovery Fund.
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