Piloting a Therapeutic Residential for Children, Young People and Families Bereaved through Suicide in Northern Ireland

Abstract

Families bereaved by suicide can experience an extremely intense and complicated grieving process. This can be associated with a range of difficulties and can put bereaved family members at risk of a range of problems. In recognition of this, Barnardo's Child Bereavement Service piloted a two-day residential programme (integrating separate therapeutic sessions for children and parents and joint outdoor pursuits). Five families (seven adults and eight children) participated in the pilot residential; of these, six adults and six children also participated in the evaluation. The residential was evaluated using semi-structured interviews with the parents, children and staff. The resultant data were evaluated thematically. Families reported positive outcomes in several domains. Children reported themselves to feel less alone, more confident and happier. Parents found the residential beneficial and reported themselves better able to cope with their own, and their children's, grief. Staff reported the residential to be a positive experience for the families and themselves, and felt privileged to have been involved in the project. This evaluation points to the utility of residential programmes to assist families bereaved by suicide. Implications for practice are discussed.

Acknowledgement

Thanks must go to the Eastern Health and Social Services Board who provided essential funding. Special thanks to Pat McGreevy for his support in achieving partial funding and for his expert advice throughout planning and implementation of the residential weekend. Thanks also to Barnardo's staff and volunteers who participated in the residential, for their support, excellent work and unfaltering energy. Finally, a very sincere thank-you to all the families who have worked alongside us, consulted with us and shared their experiences, knowledge and coping strategies, enabling both ourselves and future service users to learn from you all.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Hannah Jane Braiden

Hannah Jane Braiden has recently completed her PhD and is currently undertaking a Doctorate in Child, Adolescent and Educational Psychology under the supervision of Mr Joe Duffy at Queen's University Belfast

Monica McCann

Monica McCann is the Children's Service Manager

Helen Barry

Helen Barry is a Senior Practitioner

Carrie Lindsay

Carrie Lindsay is a Social Worker at the Barnardo's Child Bereavement Service