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.