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Weekend Youth Program

Launched in 2021, our Wombat’s Wish Youth Weekend Grief Program was developed by General Manager Nicki Dunne and Coordinator Rebecca Scott.

As fully qualified youth workers with decades of experience in the youth support space, they have sought to create a very special Weekend Grief Program for young people who have experienced the death of a parent.

Our Youth program aims to provide young people (aged 12-17, who have previously attended a Wombats Wish weekend program) with extra age-specific workshops to further explore grief responses and coping techniques in a safe, non-threatening environment. This program will address issues relating to young people in an open forum, without censorship of the discussions in the presence of young children.

Along with a mix of fun and relaxing activities, Youth weekend program participants are also empowered to express emotions and thoughts and seek advice from approachable and qualified professionals in a safe space.

Our Youth Weekend Grief Program seeks to help parentally bereaved young people develop safe coping techniques, improve their mental health and reduce harmful or risk-taking behaviours. It also enables them to make important and lasting connections with their peers who are in similar situations, thus reducing their sense of social isolation.

Young people who do not learn healthy ways to cope [with their grief] are at risk for developing serious difficulties, such as depression, anxiety, or anti-social behaviour.

A significant loss can damage a young person’s self-esteem, they can internalise the belief that they are bad, and their future can become hopeless.

Enhancing self-esteem is essential in helping the young person to increase resilience and be able to cope with adversity. Community based child bereavement services are about prevention.

– Schurmann, 2003

    FAQ’s about Wombat’s Wish Weekend Program

    Who can go to a Wombat’s Wish Youth Weekend Grief Program?

    Due to the high demand for referrals for our Weekend Grief Program program and our large waiting lists for this program, Wombat’s Wish has introduced a FULLY REFUNDABLE pre-camp booking fee. Upon your acceptance to the weekend grief program, a $50 fee is required to secure your family’s place on the designated weekend. Upon completion of the weekend and receipt of the post-6-week evaluation form, this fee will be fully refunded, or you can choose to donate $50 to Wombat’s Wish.

    Cancelling your attendance.

    While the Weekend Grief Program is free for families to attend, it is essential to understand that Wombat’s Wish covers all costs associated with the weekend. These include professional consultations, accommodation, catering, additional activities (such as the flying fox and giant swing), team leaders, gifts, memory boxes, craft materials, and more. On average, this amounts to around $1,500 per child.  Wombat’s Wish does not receive government funding, and we rely on donations and philanthropic trusts to cover the weekend program costs.

    We understand that unexpected circumstances, such as illness, can arise, and you will forgo your $50 booking fee if you cancel, but this does not cover the full cost to Wombat’s Wish. On acceptance into the program, you must firmly commit to attending. All expenses are paid two weeks before the weekend, and any cancellations after this point are non-refundable to Wombat’s Wish. Unfortunately, late cancellations also mean we cannot offer the place to another family on our waiting list due to the limited lead time.

    We appreciate your understanding and commitment to helping us make this program a meaningful and sustainable experience for everyone involved.

    Where is the Youth Weekend Grief Program?

    Our Youth Weekend Grief Program is held in Queenscliff, on the Bellarine Peninsula. Weekend Programs runs from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, and young people stay onsite in separate dorms.

    Who facilitates the program?

    Wombat’s Wish Youth Weekend Programs is facilitated by a dedicated and approachable team of psychologists, social workers, youth workers and mental health workers, with specific experience working with at-risk youth and case management. We also arrange a General Practitioner to host a helpful and informative session with young people.

    Does it cost money to send my young person to the weekend program?

    No. All of our Wombat’s Wish programs are 100% funded by donations, community support and grants, and run at no cost whatsoever to the families.

    How do I get my child on a youth weekend program?

    It’s easy. One of Wombat's Wish team will send you an expression of interest on completition of attending a family weekend grief program.

    Why is Wombat’s Wish Youth Weekend Grief Program important?

    Bereaved children are 41% more likely than their peers to be considered ‘at risk’ of emotional and behavioural problems than their peers*. The teenage years are particularly challenging for parentally bereaved young people, who are 40% more likely to experience low self-esteem, and more likely to require medical intervention for mental illness into adulthood*. Research demonstrates that teens experience express grief differently to both children and adults, and are more likely to engage in harmful or self-destructive behaviours to cope. Thus, our Youth Camp is tailored to provide essential support, resources and connection for young people during this most difficult period.