This year, Children’s Grief Awareness Day is Thursday, Nov. 17, to participate, show children support by wearing blue that day. Children’s Grief Awareness Day is a way to acknowledge grieving children and to learn ways to support them, according to a news release from Jillian Roy, Hope’s Place coordinator, Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area.

Most children and teens will experience the death of a parent, close family member or friend before they reach the age of 18. Often their grief is overlooked or goes unrecognized. The first step in helping children through grief is to simply listen and let them know they are not alone. Read books with them about grief and visit the local grieving children’s program for information.

Hospice Volunteers of Waterville Area offers Hope’s Place: A Safe Place for Grieving Children at 304 Main St., in Waterville. The program provides a supportive environment for grieving children, teens, and families through peer support groups. The groups nurture and encourage expression of grief and loss in a safe, welcoming environment.

For information, contact Roy at 207-873-3615 ext.11 or [email protected].

Check out other upcoming area events!