Child & Adolescent Bereavement Service (CABS)
Working alongside children, young people and families to navigate illness and grief.
Our Child & Adolescent Bereavement Service (CABS) offers support for children and young people facing the illness of someone important to them, or after someone has died. We know the impact that death and illness can have on children and young people’s studies, relationships and development into adulthood. We also understand that each child or young person will express their grief and emotions differently. This may take the form of appearing to be coping fine or having changeable behaviours such as sadness, anger, night terrors, anxiety, guilt and physical pain, or difficulties concentrating or attending school.
“I have found the sessions helpful because I managed to explore my feelings, especially guilt. Once I knew the root of my feelings, it became easier to understand them. These sessions gave me the opportunity to have someone to talk to when I didn’t have anyone else.” – CABS Client, aged 17.
Our CABS Team are alongside them and their families to help them navigate these feelings, supporting each individual through what can be a painful and disorientating experience.
Every child and family is different and our therapists will find the right approach to help with your child’s or family’s needs. We are an inclusive service, respectful of religious, cultural, spiritual grieving traditions and rituals.
Our CABS Team supports children and young people aged 4 to 17 and those close to them. If you would like to get in contact with our Team please call 020 8759 0453 or email cabsreferrals@harlingtonhospice.org
You can also follow us on Instagram: @hh_cabs
Making a referral
We accept referrals from schools, healthcare professionals, parents, and carers. Young people aged 16 and over can also self-refer.
We aim to respond to all referrals made within 2 working days and arrange to speak with you for a telephone assessment within 2 weeks from the date of accepting the referral.
Referrals are added to the CABS waiting list, and we aim to schedule individual, family or groups sessions within 3 months from the assessment date. We also provide advice to families, schools and professionals to support a child during this time.
