A NEW group designed to help children cope with loss and bereavement has been created by a team of passionate volunteers in Wrexham.

Stars, which aims to help children between the ages of 4-14, by focusing more on play and fun rather than therapy and counselling will hold its first group session on Saturday.

The idea was the brainchild of Frances Williams, who as a widow and social worker, was acutely aware of the lack of bereavement services on offer for children in and around North Wales.

She said: "There was nothing in North Wales for children under the age of 14, with the only bereavement services available to young bereaved people being provided by Nightingale House, which does such great work in the local area.

"The nearest location for younger children wanting any kind of help dealing with bereavement is based on the Wirral, so I wanted to create something for the children of North Wales."

The group is made up of a mixture of volunteers, who each bring their own skillset and passion to the project, with the whole concept designed to try and normalise grief and make children feel comfortable in a safe environment.

Mrs Williams went on: "It's important that children don't feel guilty about having fun and are able to live with their loss.

"Grief is a huge, huge thing but the most important thing about the group is that there is very much an emphasis on them having fun and enjoying it."

Stars has been almost a year in the planning and the first group of ten children, which has been as a result of referrals from hospices and schools, will meet at The Community Church on Prices Lane in Rhosddu.

Mrs Williams added: "The Community Church have very kindly allowed us to be affiliated to them for now, but we are an independent group and everyone is welcome, no matter what their religion or their geographical location in North Wales."

Mrs Williams and her daughter Fern met with Wrexham MP Ian Lucas last Friday and the politician said he was very interested to hear of the plans for what he said was such an important issue.

Mr Lucas said: "When Frances and Fern contacted me about the STARS group, I was very interested to meet them and discuss their plans as this is such an important issue and an important service.

"I was hugely impressed by the diligent work they have done so far and the approach they are taking to helping young people get over the loss of a loved one.

"Bereavement is such a difficult subject and can be particularly tough for children, but I am sure the STARS group can make a positive difference in Wrexham and the wider area. I will assist Frances and Fern in any way I can as they move forwards with this project."

Stars has been an entirely self-funded group up until this point and they are holding a cake sale is taking place at the main entrance of Wrexham Maelor hospital on Saturday between 10am-1pm to raise some much needed funds.

Anyone wishing to find out more information about the work of Stars or would like to attend one of the sessions can contact them via e-mail using 414stars@gmail.com.