Help Us Understand Grief (HUUG)
Losing a loved one is hard for anyone, but it can be especially tough for children and youth who may not know how to cope with their grief.
Grief can manifest itself in many different ways, and it's often hard for kids to understand what they're feeling or why they're feeling it. This can lead to them feeling scared, alone, or angry.
The HUUG Program was created to help kids process their grief after a loved one has died. This program provides children with the tools and resources they need to understand their feelings and develop healthy coping strategies.
The HUUG Program is offered in Thunder Bay, Nipigon, Terrace Bay, Marathon, Manitouwadge, Geraldton and Longlac.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Deborah Dika, Thunder Bay Child and Teen HUUG Coordinator
807 626 5570 (EXT. 5576)
[email protected]
Or in the Region:
Robyn Melanson, Regional Children’s Grief Coordinator (HUUG)
807 626 5570 (EXT. 5579) or Toll Free: 1 (888) 552-9824
[email protected]
Hospice Northwest is grateful to Ontario Health and North of Superior Counselling for supporting this program.
Make a referral to HUUG Program
Please complete our online referral form if you feel your child would benefit from this program. You can also make a referral by contacting Deborah Dika (Thunder Bay) or Robyn Melanson (Regional Programs) directly at the numbers above.
HUUG Grief Kits
These kits will supply grieving children, youth and teens with items such as a journal, resources and other tools that will support them through grief. HUUG kits will be provided to children, youth and teens in the hopes that they will provide comfort and healing.
Kits are available to you upon request and are free of charge.
HUUG Resource Library
There are a variety of books that are waiting to be read in each community that can be borrowed by anyone free of charge. These age appropriate books address death, dying, and loss to children in a creative and easy to understand manner.
Some of the popular book titles we carry include:
- When Dinosaurs Die by Laurie Krasny Brown
- The Last Invisible Boy by Caron Levis & Charles Santoso.
- Ida, Always by Caron Levis & Charles Santoso.
As part of the HUUG community, any family will be able to have full access to our resource library and the books supplied there. We also have a wide variety of books for adults.
Education / Outreach
We offer free education sessions to staff, schools, and community agencies so they too can be equipped with tips and best ways we can support grieving children.
For more information or to set up an education session, please contact our HUUG Coordinator at 807-626-5570 ext. 5576 or toll free at 1-888-347-1643.
Monthly Workshops
These workshops will facilitate friendships and focus on teaching healthy coping strategies, help children and youth to express their feelings in their grief, and recognize and identify emotions.
HUUG workshops run once a month from September to May each year. For details about location, dates and time; please contact the HUUG coordinator for that community.
