Siblings
Our support acknowledges and values siblings in their own right with individual needs.
We offer flexible pre and post bereavement support for siblings of children referred to and accepted by Derian House.
This could be anything from emotional support to fun activities and days out where they can meet other siblings in a similar situation.
Sibling groups
Danni’s Club is a chance for siblings to meet once a month for an opportunity to chat, to share experiences, and to make lasting friendships.
It gives the young people a break from their everyday routine and access to peer support. Danni’s Club is packed with a variety of activities including games, arts & crafts and bingo.
We also enjoy days out such as forest school, crazy golf, bowling and theme parks, providing opportunities for new experiences.
A relaxed group for slightly older young people who want to meet others in a similar situation, as well as access advice, peer support and guidance.
There are also opportunities to partake in days out to theme parks, escape rooms, meals out and other fun activities.
Chill Out & Chat meets once a month.
The Sibling social is a monthly group specifically for our siblings aged 16 and over, and is tailored for young adults. A relaxed and mature space for socialising, peer support and laughter.
Crochet and Chat
Led by our volunteer and Derian grandma, Carol, Crochet and Chat brings together siblings, parents and grandparents for a Monday morning filled with coffee, cake, crocheting, and a good old natter. For more information please contact Lucy or Jean from our Family Support Team by emailing families@derianhouse.co.uk
School holidays
Days Out
Who doesn’t love a day out? These are an opportunity for the siblings to get out into the fresh air during the school holidays and enjoy all kinds of activities.
Sibling Summer Scheme
Sibling summer scheme is one session a week, run over 4 weeks during the summer holidays. This is an opportunity for siblings to join in fun themed sessions, group games and outdoor activities.
Emotional support
Advocacy
We can stand in as advocates for children and young people who are having difficulty expressing their worries or concerns. We work with the sibling to help them to communicate their wishes and feelings.
Advocacy is often used in school or college settings so that everyone involved can be made aware of any difficulties they may be experiencing. We can also provide advocacy with family members and other professionals involved with the sibling.
Counselling
Should siblings require a higher level of emotional support, then we can provide face-to-face therapy sessions through one of our family counsellors. These can take place at a young person’s school or college, or at Derian House.
Bereaved siblings
We have special days for siblings who have experienced the death of their brother or sister. Treasure Days are held at Derian House to share memories and celebrate the lives of their loved ones through art, workshops, keepsakes, and treasure boxes.
A day dedicated to bereaved siblings aged 12+ to come together to remember and celebrate their sibling, whilst being supported to process their grief through workshops, crafts and group activities.
Pebbles is group bereavement support for siblings of all ages. At Pebbles they get a chance to express and process their feelings in a variety of ways from play and arts and crafts, to themed therapeutic sessions.