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This November, in recognition of Children's Grief Awareness Month, the Healing Patch Children's Grief Program is joining with members of the National Alliance for Children's Grief to launch the annual Flip the Script campaign.
This initiative, created by NACG with support from national childhood grief organizations, focuses on raising awareness and providing education about childhood bereavement -- flipping the script on how we, as a society, understand and support children and teens who are grieving.
Healing Patch Coordinator Melody Ray emphasized the significance of supporting children after loss, stating, "Grief that is not expressed, validated or managed can negatively impact a child's development and mental health. This puts a significant strain on the family. By acknowledging and supporting grieving children and families in our community, we can see positive outcomes long-term. The Healing Patch is a place for the community to learn about how to support those impacted by grief, as well as a resource for local grieving families to gain connections, support and hope."
This year, the Healing Patch marks 20 years of offering free peer support services for children and their families who have suffered the loss of a significant person, such as a parent, sibling, grandparent or close family member.
Since 2006, nearly 2,400 children and adults have participated in family group sessions at the Healing Patch center, and 560 students have gone through in-school groups at schools in Bedford, Blair or Cambria counties.
Sharing memories and experiences allows grieving individuals to discover that what they are going through is normal and that hope and healing are possible.
Throughout the month of November, the Healing Patch will share resources, stories and information designed to help individuals, families, schools, faith communities and professionals better understand the grieving process and respond with empathy. By building awareness and knowledge, the Flip the Script Campaign works toward a future where no child grieves alone.
For more information about Children's Grief Awareness Month, access to valuable resources for supporting children who are grieving, and ways to get involved in the Flip the Script Campaign, visit https://nacg.org/flipthescript/ and follow #FlipTheScript on Facebook and Instagram.
Follow the Healing Patch Children's Grief Program Facebook page or Instagram @healing_patch.