CHILDREN AND TEENS GRIEF AWARENESS MONTH

Do you want to be there for kids and teens who are grieving the loss of a sibling, parent, or other special person?

November is children and teens grief awareness month, a national movement designed to help all of us become more aware of what grieving kids need and how we can help. 

It’s always been a big month at Billy’s Place and this year it’s going to be bigger than ever. That means there is a way for everyone (including you) to be involved.

How you can join the movement to support kids and teens who are grieving:

1. #bethere for someone who is grieving 

We brought together a group of high school students to brainstorm the best ways to #BeThere for a friend. Here is what they said:

• Be patient if a friend is grieving for a longer time than you might expect. Grief has no expiration date. 
• If you notice a friend is quiet one day, ask if they need a hug. 
• Be ok with silence. 
• Don’t compare a friend’s grief to others. 
• Check-in. Something as simple as this goes a long way: “Hey man, I’ll bet this is a tough time of year for you. How are you doing? I’m here if you wanna talk or do something fun to keep your mind off things.â€

2. Join us for the annual Billy’s Place Candle-Lighting Ceremony

On November 17, National Children’s Grief Awareness Day, we’ll come together to celebrate the people who are no longer with us and to support each other in our grief. Join us at CCV in Peoria at 6:30pm, or light a candle at home in honor of the kids, teens, and families grieving the loss of a loved one. Don’t forget to share on social media with #bethere to show all of the amazing support!

3. Donate to Billy’s Place to support our safe community for kids and families 

More kids and families are experiencing grief this year. The number of children expected to experience the loss of a parent or sibling by the age of 18 has increased from 1 in 13 in Arizona to 1 in 12 this year. And we experience it everyday, as more families are turning to Billy’s Place for support. Make your donation today. 

4. Golf 

Wait, golf? Yes, golf! More specifically, glow golf. 

Join us for the inaugural Billy’s Place Glow Ball Golf Tournament on November 5th. All proceeds benefit Billy’s Place and our peer support groups, school training and community education initiatives. Learn more and sign up here.  

5. Host a Facebook fundraiser. 

It’s easy and super effective. Already this year, 17 individuals have hosted a fundraiser on Facebook. Can you help us get to at least 25 people and crack $5,000 raised?

Children and teens grief awareness month isn’t just for families who have lost a special person. It’s for all of us who believe every child and teen who is grieving the loss of a loved one deserves a supportive and understanding community. 

Are you in?