Forest project helping children with their grief

Outdoor activities like den building, tree climbing and campfire skills are being used to help bereaved children explore and talk about their grief.

The Together in Grief Forest Project takes groups to woodland in East Yorkshire, where group leaders weave discussions about feelings into the activities.

It has also launched an animated film, based on the children's artwork and experiences which it hopes will be used by schools and families.

The project, which has so far helped almost 120 children, is a collaboration between Fitmums and Friends, the Humber Forest School and the University of Hull.

Sam Barlow, Fit Mums' founder said, "We want the film to tell people what we do.

"But it's also a really good reflection of what children tell us would be helpful to them, their tips about how teachers could help them."

Mrs Barlow started the project after seeing how her own children needed support after her husband Mike died, following a 13 year battle with cancer.

"The school was initially really good and compassionate, " she said.

"But as time went on, they became more isolated. If they became upset it was difficult to say something.

"And they both handled it differently. One wanted school to tell people what had happened. The other didn't

Charlie, 10, and Lara, 14 have both been to the Forest Project, attending once a week for four weeks at woodland near Meaux.

Lara's dad had a brain tumour and died three years ago.

"He was one of the nicest people ever," she said.

"You've got the idea that they'll pass away but it doesn't mean that anything can prepare you for how you'll feel.

"At the Forest Project there was always someone to talk to. "

Charlie was six when his "funny and playful" grandad died and said he did not know who to speak to when he missed him and felt he did not want to join in activities.

"At the Forest Project, we played games, I made a massive stick man, dug for clay and whittled sticks.

"There were so many people who had also lost someone, whereas none of my friends had lost anyone.

"The people who run it don't ask questions and it's a nice environment in the forest."

The project says it aims to give children "a safe space to explore and express their grief" and 'learn ways of coping" as well as developing a sense of adventure.

The project is supported by The Ideas Fund, a grants programme run by the British Science Association and funded by Wellcome. It helps to test out ideas to address mental wellbeing problems.

Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.