The Healing HeARTS Project: Research in Action
Unveiling the Power of Connection in Youth Grief Support
By Erin Kelly, Executive Director, NBCopes
“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the current landscape of grief and loss, creating increased isolation around support systems and normal bereavement rituals.”
In early 2021, the day we received funding for the "Healing HeARTS for Youth" project was a pivotal moment for NBCopes. This milestone was a testament to the support we had earned and marked the first time we could truly invest in our mission and compensate the dedicated individuals who made our work possible. Among those pivotal individuals was our founder, Pam Pastirik, whose vision and commitment were instrumental in shaping this initiative.
When the World Stood Still
The project emerged in response to the unprecedented challenges of the global pandemic. The isolation and disruption of normal support systems had a devastating impact on young people already grappling with grief and loss. Seeing their silent suffering, we knew action was necessary. The "Healing HeARTS for Youth" project was conceived to provide a safe, creative space for young people to connect and express their emotions, addressing the profound sense of isolation that the pandemic had exacerbated.
“Youth are often considered ‘silent mourners’ and have significant risk factors for mental health challenges after loss in their immediate family.”
Research as a Guiding Light
Link to the research
At NBCopes, we have always believed in the power of social connection in the healing process. We knew that isolation was a major obstacle for children and adolescents coping with grief, but we needed evidence to support this understanding.
We were fortunate to collaborate with researchers from UNB to investigate this further. Together, we secured funding and embarked on a study to explore the impact of social connection on grief recovery in young people. Pam, along with our president at the time, was proud to be part of the research team as a co-author.
More Than Just Support
The project served a dual purpose:
To provide much-needed support to grieving youth.
To validate our long-held belief that young people often feel isolated and alone in their grief, even more so than adults.
The experience of significant loss can be particularly isolating for young people, as many of their peers have not yet encountered such profound challenges. The pandemic only deepened this sense of disconnection, making our intervention even more crucial.
The Strength of Shared Experience
The findings of the study reinforced the importance of our approach, which emphasizes bringing young people together, out of isolation, to validate their feelings among peers. The validation we received from the research was both gratifying and humbling. It reaffirmed our belief in the power of shared experience and the importance of creating a sense of belonging for grieving youth.
While one-on-one counselling certainly has its place in supporting grieving youth, we believe that group settings offer unique benefits. By fostering a sense of community and shared experience, we empower young people to realize they are not alone in their journey, providing a safe space for connection and mutual support.
“This expressive art project primarily aimed to reduce social and emotional loneliness of youth.”
The Results: A Glimmer of Hope
The results were encouraging. The young participants reported a decrease in feelings of loneliness and an increased ability to express their emotions through their involvement in the project. They found solace in the shared experience and appreciated the opportunity to connect with both the adult facilitators and their peers. Witnessing their growth and resilience firsthand was incredibly rewarding and strengthened our resolve to continue this vital work.
The Journey Continues
The "Healing HeARTS for Youth" project is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of connection, creativity, and community. It underscores the importance of providing safe and supportive spaces for young people to navigate their grief.
As we move forward, we remain committed to developing innovative and evidence-based approaches to support grieving youth and help them find healing and hope in the face of loss. The journey continues, and we are filled with hope for the future.
Erin Kelly is the Executive Director of NBCopes.
