Helping Kids Navigate Loss with Lionheart Camp for Kids

Just imagine being a young child, navigating through the unimaginable loss of a loved one. Feelings of isolation, confusion, and profound sadness can be overwhelming, right? Now imagine a place where these children can come together, share their experiences, and learn that they aren't alone in their grief. This week on 'Don't Be Caught Dead', I, Catherine Ashton, bring you a conversation with two inspirational women who are doing just that.Shelly Skinner, founding director and CEO of Lionheart Camp for Kids, and Lauren Breen, a professor at Curtin University specialising in the psychology of grief and loss, join me to share their incredible work. At the Lionheart Camp, children, teens, and adults are given the space and support to understand and process their grief. Shelley's vision - to ensure all children are provided with the necessary care after losing someone close - is a mission she carries out with absolute dedication.Lauren, with her focus on understanding grief experiences and promoting grief literacy, brings the academic perspective, providing insights on how grief impacts individuals and families. Together, they published "What Bereaved Children Want to Know About Death and Grief" in the Journal of Child and Family Studies. Their work is creating a ripple effect, paving the way for a more accepting and understanding society where grief is seen as a normal part of life, rather than a taboo.Key points discussed in this episode include:The founding of Lionheart Camp for Kids and its missionThe importance of normalising grief and providing a supportive community for kids dealing with lossShelly's personal experiences with loss, which drove her to create the campThe research and writings of Lauren Breen on the psychology of grief and lossThe significant role of education and peer support in coping with griefResources Mentioned:Lionheart Camp for KidsFinding Fwebbers - Children’s BookRaw to Roar ProgramLionheart Camp for Kids partners with Curtin University, under the leadership of Board member Professor Lauren Breen, to undertake research around childhood grief. That research can be found on the following link: https://lionheartcampforkids.com.au/researchRemember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.Take care,CatherineWe'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)Death is hard, make death admin easy with the Critical Info Platform. It’s a simple, secure system that helps you prepare and share your legacy, wishes and personal paperwork.It’s packed with prompts, guides and even a To Do List to help you easily gather critical information for a complete end-of-life plan.Leave behind a legacy, not a mess.Sign up now to your free trial at critical info.com.auNo credit card needed. Every Tuesday at 7pm, I host Critical Chat Tuesdays — free, online conversations where you can ask questions or just listen.No pressure. No expectation.Because this isn’t about planning for “someday” — it’s about being ready for whatever life throws your way.Join anytime at criticalinfo.com.au/events MY LOVED ONE HAS DIED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.SUPPORT SERVICESIf you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.Support the showSupport the 'Don’t Be Caught Dead' podcast with a one-off or regular donation to help Critical Info, a certified social enterprise, keep creating free, high-impact conversations about death, grief and planning—every contribution fuels our mission to reduce the burden on families and build a more death-literate, compassionate community. Donate here now.Learn more: https://criticalinfo.com.au/Connect with Don't Be Caught Dead podcast host Catherine Ashton & Critical info on socials:https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=c1879300-84db-4c70-9270-18d17d3ec22aMusic composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/