FOR children and young people, coping with the death of a loved one is especially difficult.

To help, Kemp Hospice has launched a new service called Kemp for Kids which will make practical and emotional support available for every bereaved child and young person in Wyre Forest and the surrounding areas.

Kemp aims to raise £30,000 in 30 weeks through its Children’s Appeal to help deliver a range of programmes around the district to support bereaved children.

The appeal is being run in association with The Shuttle, which will feature appeal updates every week in a bid to help the hospice reach its target as quickly as possible.

“Even for adults, the grief that follows bereavement can be painful and confusing”, said Jackie Turner, children’s and family worker at Kemp’s bereavement hub.

“And for many young people, dealing with grief is even more difficult as they find it hard to share their thoughts and feelings. This can lead to mood swings, unsettled behaviour and withdrawal.

"Kemp for Kids helps to reduce these problems by making the grieving process less frightening and easier to bear.”

Kemp is already working with schools to provide bereavement support for children aged 5-15.

The hospice is planning a programme of residential weekends for bereaved youngsters and their parents or carers, which will allow them to deal with their grief, away from the daily pressures of home life.

Groupwork sessions, memory days and memorial events are also planned, along with training, advice and support for staff working with children and young people.

An official launch took place at the hospice last Thursday where Kemp workers explained the bereavement hub and introduced the youth forum.

The forum is a team of young people who have been helping tailor the bereavement service so it is suitable for the children who will use it.

To help the children's appeal call 01562 756000 or visit; kemphospice.org.uk, twitter.com/kemphospice, facebook.com/kemphospice or youtube.com/ kemphospice