Bereaved young people in Norfolk offered sport support
Children who've lost loved ones are being offered the chance to take part in sport therapy sessions.
Last updated 17th Aug 2021
Children and young people in Norfolk, including some who've lost loved ones during the pandemic, are being offered bereavement support in the form of sport and physical activity this summer.
The UEA Sportspark and charity Nelson's Journey have teamed up to offer the sessions, assisted by funding from Sport England via Active Norfolk.
Nelson's Journey supports local young people and also helps professionals in the county who work with children, such as teachers and health workers, to help raise awareness of issues affecting bereaved young people.
As part of the programme, children are split into groups to take part in things like archery and football, as well as crafts, walking and reflective sessions.
Julia Robathan, Course Director of the PE, Sport and Health degree courses at UEA and Nelson’s Journey trustee, said: “UEA Sportspark has successfully supported NHS workers’ children throughout the pandemic and with Nelson’s Journey having been restricted in delivering their vital work over the last 18 months, using the guise of sport and physical activity to facilitate support for these young people seemed an opportunity not to miss.
“Sportspark has a tried and tested COVID-secure model of delivery that will allow the young people to come together and take part in a range of activities that will include some therapeutic bereavement work.
“Sport and physical activity has been identified as a mechanism to reduce stress and enhance relationships in support of bereavement work and Active Norfolk have been very helpful in aiding us to meet the requirements of Sport England funding to tackle inequalities escalated by COVID-19.”
Beth Coombs-Hoar, a UEA student and previous Nelson's Journey service user said: “I know first-hand the vital support that Nelson’s Journey offer young people experiencing loss of family or friends.
"It is amazing that UEA will be able to host this work and I hope students will be able to volunteer their time for such an important project which will help many young people in Norfolk.”