Reducing the Impact of Bereavement on Kids

Grief has a profound effect on anyone of any age, but if you are a child or young person, it can impact your life in ways that have a long-term detrimental effect. In Australia, 1 in every 20 Aussie children will experience the death of a parent before they turn 18 years old. To put this into perspective, there is most likely a child grieving the loss of a parent in every classroom in every Australian school. Research shows that childhood bereavement causes disruptions in relational, academic, and occupational functioning later in life and is associated with a greater risk of maladaptive coping, mental health disorders, substance abuse, suicide, and early mortality.

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Feel the Magic is an Australian charity that provides grief education and support for children experiencing the loss of a parent or sibling. Their aim is to create a world where grieving kids and their families feel supported and empowered and can begin to move forward with their lives. The organisation runs evidence-informed programs that have been developed by a clinical psychologist and are delivered by trained professionals.

Feel the Magic run a series of camps and programs for bereaved children that aims to reduce the associated mental health impacts of childhood bereavement by teaching practical tools to manage grief, increasing confidence in managing their emotions, connecting to a community with shared language around grief and helping them to understand grief.

In support of their work and to raise money for the cause, Creighton’s Funeral Services is the proud sponsor of The Vintage Charity Golf Day, taking place on Thursday, 11 May, from 8.30am (tee-off at 9am). The day includes 18 holes of golf at the Greg Norman designed The Vintage Golf Club, barista coffee pregolf, a breakfast snack, gourmet lunch, on-course fun with hole activations and, of course, the joy of knowing that you are supporting a wonderful cause. Sponsorship packages are still available, and it’s not too late to enter a team. Packages and team entry can be purchased through www.thevintage-charity-golf-day-2023.raisely.com.

Funds raised through the golf day will be used to help pay for a local Hunter camp for bereaved children in the region.

“We run camps with 50 to 60 children at each camp,” said Sean Preece, Event Organiser at Feel the Magic.

“It costs us about $1500 per child, and we cover the full cost. Every cent raised goes directly into supporting a bereaved child and enabling them to attend Camp Magic. We run 4 to 6 camps per year in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and the Hunter with hopes to expand out to South Australia and Queensland.”

“I know from personal experience what a profound impact our camps have on children. My own two children attended Camp Magic, and it changed their lives. When kids get there, they are often introverted, depressed and anxious. Camp teaches them that they are not alone in feeling the way they do, that it’s ok to feel happy and sad and to get on with your life.”

If you or someone you know would benefit from attending Camp Magic, details are available at www.feelthemagic.org.au.