Nicky’s Way – support for children

When someone dies, you might feel lonely, confused or isolated. We offer a programme of support for children and young people, called Nicky’s Way, where you can meet others in the same situation.

Nicky’s Way supports children and young people aged five to 18 who are bereaved due to any cause of death.  Children under five will be supported via the parent/guardian or within their family unit – not individually.

One-to-one counselling or support sessions are available and there are also therapeutic bereavement groups running throughout the year. These groups provide peer support and friendship alongside the therapeutic work in a creative and fun setting.

Pre-bereavement referrals are accepted when someone significant to a child or young person has a life-limiting illness.

Nicky’s Way referrals are accepted from six weeks after the death. However, a consultation call before this time is up may be offered.

After referral to Nicky’s Way a telephone consultation is held with the child’s parent/carer, followed by an assessment appointment with the child. With the help of our Nicky’s Way Co-ordinator the child can decide what sort of support they want. Nicky’s Way offers up to eight sessions with provision to add further sessions if appropriate.

Nicky’s Way also offers training and support to professionals, parents and carers who are helping children and young people work through their grief.

How to make a referral

If you are a parent or carer wishing to refer a child or young person to Nicky’s Way, please ring us on 01284 715572 or email Psychological.Services@stnh.org.uk.

For pre-bereavement referrals, please contact the Psychological Services team 01284 715572 or email Psychological.Services@stnh.org.uk. 

Please click on one of the following to make a referral:
• Download a PDF referral form
• Use our online referral form

We are experiencing a high level of demand for our services at the moment, which unfortunately means our waiting lists are longer than usual. This may mean we take a few months to offer you support. Please bear with us whilst we try to meet this demand. If you are struggling in the meantime, please do call Samaritans on 116 123. Thank you for your understanding.

Further resources

You can view further resources on supporting children and young people coping with grief and bereavement by clicking here.