REGINA — Grief and loss can have a huge impact on children and youth.
Losing a loved one can cause behavioural changes and impact day-to-day life for youth, notes mental health experts.
That’s where the Caring Hearts Grief Camp comes in, a trauma-informed, culturally safe environment to help young people address some of the difficult challenges.
“[This camp] helps children and youth manage the mental health challenges that often arise alongside grief and trauma because we do know that left unaddressed or unsupported, these challenges can sometimes develop into longer-term issues,” said Keely Wight-Young, executive director of Caring Hearts.
The camp is offered twice a year in Beaver Creek and hosts between 40 to 60 youth each time.
Wight-Young noted this gives young people a chance to connect with others dealing with similar challenges.
“Grief and trauma can often feel very isolating.”
“So, this can help youth understand that they’re not alone,” she added.
Wight-Young said there are not many supports available for children in Saskatchewan, as Caring Hearts continues to report an increase in youth needing help after experiencing traumatic losses.
Notably, 70 per cent of those attending the recent camp were from First Nations communities.
Wight-Young couldn’t exactly say why this increase occurred.
“It may be partly because our First Nations communities do experience a higher number of traumatic losses than the general population. And the grief that's impacting Indigenous children and youth, coupled with a history of intergenerational trauma, is quite profound.”
She also alluded to Saskatchewan having high rates of suicide among Canadian provinces.
In 2023, Saskatchewan recorded 213 deaths by suicide, which equates to 17.6 deaths per 100,000 people.
The camp has been operational for 20 years now.
Wight-Young said multiple children or youth who have attended the camp in the past return as volunteers once they become adults.
She feels seeing people return shows the positive impact the grief camp has.
“They want to come back and be able to help other youngsters like they were helped in the past.”
One camp costs $50,000 to operate, and Caring Hearts relies on grants and donations for it.
On Saturday, Nov. 29, the non-profit will host a fundraiser at the Artesian, hoping to raise at least $5,000.
Looking ahead, Wight-Young said Caring Hearts is hopeful to expand the grief camps across Saskatchewan.
“We know that there's a high demand for supporting children's grief in this province.”
More information on Saturday’s fundraiser can be found here.
