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Footprints is a peer support programme designed initially to help children who had lost a parent through death or separation.  However, it has been found to be very effective also with those mourning the death of a sibling or grandparent.

Much is written about adult grief.  Stages of grieving are well established and recognised in bereavement counselling.  What was not so recognised until recently is that children go through the very same stages of grief.  However, the adults who have lost a partner through death or separation are generally so caught up in their own pain that they are unable to reach out and help their own children who are hurting as well.

The Footprints Programme is a way of providing emotional stability which the children need to verbalise their feelings.  Trained adult facilitators, with caring hearts, provide the guidance and nurturing and a secure place to grieve so that healing and acceptance may take place.

The purpose of the Footprints Programme is:-
 

• To help children meet new friends, who have shared similar experiences to themselves.

• To have trained caring adult facilitators present for the children while they sort through and understand their grief.

• To help children come to a healthy acceptance of what has happened in their family.

• To develop some coping skills to help them deal with the changes in their lives