Finding the words - Strengthening communication skills when working with children and families experiencing grief and loss

LIVE ONLINE WEBINAR

Capability Level: Emerging and Evolving

This session is designed to equip social workers with effective communication strategies for supporting children and families navigating grief and loss from a paediatric palliative care context. Through case studies, participants will explore age-appropriate language, and culturally responsive approaches to discussing grief and loss.

The session will also address common challenges, such as managing emotional reactions, responding to difficult questions, and balancing uncertainty. Social workers will gain practical tools and strategies to facilitate compassionate, meaningful conversations with children, young people and families experiencing grief and loss.

Who should attend?

This webinar is aimed for social workers who have some practice experience in health social work and are interested in paediatric palliative care and/or grief and loss. Social work students or social workers who are new to this area will also receive benefit, as will those who are experienced in palliative care who would benefit from a deeper understanding about the paediatric context.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

· Explore aspects of communication integral to compassionate communication with children, young people and families within the context of grief and loss

· Develop an understanding of how to approach conversations with children and families related to grief and loss.

· Acknowledge cultural, spiritual, and individual differences in grief and bereavement.

· Offer practical tools and resources to support ongoing family needs.

Event Structure:

Introduction

Learning Session 1: Explore aspects of communication integral to compassionate communication with children, young people and families within the context of grief and loss (25 minutes)

Learning Activity 1: Interactive group discussion

Learning Session 2: Develop an understanding of how to approach conversations with children and families related to grief and loss; (20 minutes)

Learning Activity 2: Interactive group discussion

Learning Session 3: Acknowledge cultural, spiritual, and individual differences in grief and bereavement; (20 minutes)

Learning Activity 3: Open discussion and case study

Learning Session 4: Offer practical tools and resources to support ongoing family needs. (15minutes)

Learning Activity 4: Open discussion and case study

Conclusion and Q&A

AASW Credential: Mental Health

Can't attend live? Your registration includes a copy of the presentation slides and 2 weeks' free access to the event recording.