The Family Bereavement Service uses many creative techniques, especially when working with children.  For some items they need sponsoring rather than supplying, so please phone us first - don't send things in until we have had a chat. The items below are all used on a regular basis with bereaved families and children: 


Boxes of strong tissues
- An essential!

Cuddly monkeys
- Each child who attends a series of CHYPS groups gets a CHYPS Monkey to take home as a memento/comforter.

Paints, paper, glue and any creative or craft type material
- these are used with our CHYPS groups


Biscuits, chocolate, coffee, tea etc 
- refreshments are needed to feed the children and parents at CHYPS groups, and for family support sessions.

Colourful folders for children to put all their work into.
- Their work is very precious and when in a folder acts as a reminder of supportive things we did in the groups

Days out at theme park or outdoor activity centre
- Helps with self esteem and as a reminder that it is OK to have a good time

Boxes to make memory boxes (shoe box size or bigger)
- Memories are very important especially when a parent has died - helps a child to keep a sense of the relationship and a sense of who they are and where they come from

10 big cushions, 4 colourful rugs, 4 quilts to sit on, 4 plastic sheeting
- This helps to create a warm safe atmosphere

20 sets of plastic picnic ware (cups, plates etc)

20 packs of Playmobile or similar, modelling clay and plasticine
- This is used in memory/story work with the children

5 footballs, 10 small balls, 10 kites

Large plastic storage boxes
- These are useful to store our materials in