Wombats Wish is a specialised support service for bereaved children and their families. Currently facilitated in Geelong our program includes;
- Weekend camps (held in May and November)
- Parent sessions (concurrently with children’s group)
- Family Fun Day and reunions
The camp is the key component of the overall service and facilitates a therapeutic process that is highly beneficial and valued by both parents and children. The camps are both challenging and fun, with practical and creative activities designed to encourage teamwork and allow participants to build confidence and self esteem in an inclusive environment.
Each year, approximately 100 children in the Geelong and surrounding regional areas experience the death of a parent. The vision for Wombat’s Wish is to continue provide a free of charge community based service that provides the support bereaved children, young people and their families need. Give Where You Live provides $30,000 to support this vision.
These funds allow Wombat’s Wish to provide two yearly camps designed to help bereaved children and families by providing increased opportunities for;
- Support, information and education
- Understanding and expressing grief
- Remembering
- Communication
- Encouraging inclusion and awareness through meeting others
Opportunities that allow for a positive change at home as detailed by one mother who sort the help of Wombat’s Wish for her children after the sudden loss of their father. “My children were calmer and the activities helped the children talk more openly about their feelings with no memory or emotion being too taboo.” Wombat’s Wish camp allowed my children to work through their grief with other children experiencing similar situations. I know the benefits will last a lifetime.