PITTSBURGH, Nov. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- While the holiday season often brings families and friends together to celebrate, this time of the year can be difficult for those grieving the death of a loved one. Following a death, every day is difficult for children and families. The holiday season can bring additional challenges to those who are grieving.

The Highmark Caring Place, A Center for Grieving Children, Adolescents and Their Families, is available for those who need support. In addition to having a variety of print and online resources available to help children grieve, four Caring Place facilities offer peer support groups and referral services.

"The holiday season can intensify the feelings of grief," said Terese Vorsheck, Highmark Caring Place director. "Following the death of a family member or loved one, holidays are never the same. Traditions often change as the meaning of the activity changes after the person who died is no longer there to participate. Feelings of sadness and loneliness are often intensified during this time of year."

At the Highmark Caring Place, children and adults receive encouragement and support from trained volunteers as well as from peers who have also experienced a death.

"Children grieve differently than adults, and their need to grieve in their own way is sometimes overlooked," said Vorsheck. "And, while special attention should be paid to their sadness, it is also important to find ways to allow them to enjoy the holidays as a child."

At four Caring Place locations in Pennsylvania -- Pittsburgh, Erie, Lemoyne and Warrendale -- programs and services are offered at no cost. The Caring Place is a signature partner of Highmark Healthy High 5, an initiative of the Highmark Foundation. In addition, the Caring Place is supported by community contributions.

To help those who are grieving this time of the year, the Highmark Caring Place provides ways to cope with grief at the holidays. Additional resource information is also available by calling 1-888-224-HOPE (4673).

About the Highmark Caring Place

The Highmark Caring Place provides peer support groups, referral services, adult telephone support and educational programs and resources for grieving children and families. In addition, consultation services, as well as educational presentations and resources, are available for schools and other professionals in the community who work with children. Caring Place programs and services are offered at no cost. The Caring Place is a signature partner of Highmark Healthy High 5, an initiative of the Highmark Foundation. In addition, the Caring Place is supported by community contributions. The children and families are also supported by trained volunteers from the community.

SOURCE Highmark Caring Place

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http://www.highmarkcaringplace.com