October 22, 2021

Teens experiencing grief will have access to another support program offered by Airdrie and District Hospice Society. Designed for youth aged 14 to 16 years old. The Grief Support Program for Teens follows curriculum from Rainbows for All Children Canada, an organization that specializes in developing curriculum and training facilitators for children experiencing loss.

Two facilitators who have been trained to assist children and youth with appropriate coping mechanisms as they process their grief will be leading the program for teens in Airdrie and the surrounding area.

“This program responds to a very important need among youth in Airdrie,” said Lynda Hemsworth, Vice President of Airdrie and District Hospice Society. “Bereavement is difficult at any point in life, but when teenagers experience loss, it can be quite intense. We know that the challenges with Covid-19 have been very tough on teenagers and, for those experiencing a loss, that's compounded.”

The one-hour sessions will be conducted for 12 weeks starting January 27th to April 14th and will be held at 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 pm .

Shaw Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink, a non-profit program run under the Calgary Shaw Charity Classic Foundation, has funded this program through their annual event that matches donations up to 50%.

Those interested in the free Grief Support Program for teens may register, or contact the Society for more information, by emailing contact@airdriehospice.ca or by calling 403-880-0420. Permission from a parent or guardian is required to participate.