“This is the best club of my life.” These are the heartfelt words of a child in Liz Warmington’s bereavement group, and they perfectly encapsulate the impact of her work.
As the Children and Young Person’s Bereavement Counselling Specialist at Weston Hospicecare, Liz stands as a beacon of hope and understanding for children navigating the toughest challenges of their lives. Through her work, she provides not just support but a safe haven for those grappling with grief.
Liz’s path to this impactful career is rooted in her own experiences with loss. “I was drawn to this line of work through the bereavement of my dad and my personal journey of counselling, acknowledging the huge impact it has had on my life, which I wish to bestow on others,” she shares. Her connection to Weston Hospicecare was further deepened by her husband’s family’s experience of bereavement support from the organisation. Witnessing the charity’s profound impact inspired Liz to join their mission.
At the heart of Liz’s role is the ability to translate her personal understanding of grief into tangible support for young people. “The key goals are to make a difference,” Liz says. And make a difference she does.
Children at Weston Hospice’s family bereavement service
Liz’s days are as varied as they are demanding. “A typical day within my role would be visiting a school to work one-to-one with a child, delivering pre-bereavement and bereavement training to local schools and running one of my groups,” she explains.
Her role encompasses running two essential groups: the Safe Space bereavement group and the Butterfly Group for pre-bereavement support. These groups provide a critical outlet for children to express their emotions, connect with others facing similar challenges, and find solace in shared experiences. Liz works alongside two dedicated volunteers to create a nurturing environment for these children.
The uniqueness of Weston Hospicecare’s bereavement project lies in its unwavering commitment to those it serves. “We offer unlimited one-to-one support when a child needs it,” Liz says. “Being in a group with others going through similar experiences can really help a child at one of the most difficult times of their life.”
Liz emphasises the long-term significance of addressing childhood trauma early. “As research shows, trauma at a young age can stay with a child through to adulthood and create difficulties throughout their lives going forward, as the trauma of grief has not been addressed at this young age,” she explains. Her work intervenes at a critical moment, helping children process their emotions in a way that will positively shape their futures.
Children at Weston Hospice’s family bereavement service
The festive season can be particularly poignant for Liz’s young clients. “It can be the first Christmas without a parent, sibling, caregiver, or grandparent, which is extremely challenging for them. But it can also be the last Christmas with a loved one, which can be equally difficult and, in some cases, even more so,” she notes.
Her advice to parents and caregivers is simple yet powerful: be honest. “Trying to sugar-coat it by saying that someone has gone to sleep can have a damaging effect, as the child or young person may be afraid to go to sleep in fear that the same thing might happen to them,” she adds.
For Liz, the rewards of her work are manifold. “Success is helping a child or young person express themselves, giving them a safe space to talk about their emotions in a safe, empathetic, and non-judgemental environment,” she says.
One of her most cherished memories is of a Christmas party where children from her groups created memory cards. On one, a child wrote, “This is the best club of my life. So many experiences.” For Liz, these words capture the transformative power of her efforts.
Despite the immense fulfilment of her role, Liz acknowledges the challenges of limited resources. “If we had unlimited resources, I would like to extend the service more, provide more support, shorten waiting lists, lengthen my hours, and provide more support into the community,” she says.
Children at Weston Hospice’s family bereavement service
Fundraising remains vital to sustaining Weston Hospicecare’s work. Liz encourages community involvement: “Arrange a coffee morning, a craft market, or any event to help keep up the good work by having fun fundraising.”
Liz’s work is a testament to the power of kindness, empathy, and patience. She sums up her philosophy succinctly: “Children are more resilient than you think.” Through her dedication, Liz Warmington continues to make a lasting impact, helping young people navigate grief with courage and hope.
If you’d like to support Weston Hospicecare’s vital services, consider contributing to their fundraising efforts. Every small act of kindness helps ensure that Liz and her team can continue to provide the compassionate care that makes such a difference to so many young lives.
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