When a youth dies who is within or close to the group

(See introduction to this topic at: http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4916279693530706050#editor/target=post;postID=3665643667572815963;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=2;src=postname )

If a lot of your group are affected by a death in their community or if this is someone within your group,

• Address anyone who will be greatly affected, such as close friends, as in my previous post on this topic
• then set a time/place for your whole group to meet
• The content of that meeting will differ depending on the nature of the death. This content will be spelled out in a later post.
• Food is always a good idea with any youth gathering
• The meeting is not to be rushed or hurried but needs to be before any funeral
• Be prepared for some strong feelings and reactions – maybe even hostility or anger. If you can absorb these there may be healing
• A letter to all your youth that gives consoling words will reach those that cannot come to the meeting
• Again, the content of the letter will vary greatly depending on the circumstances of the death.