Librarian Jan De Meester and aldermen Katrin Kempenaers and May Aernouts at the presentation of the comfort boxes in the library. — © Neel Vermeiren
From now on you can borrow a comfort box in the Wuustwezel library. These suitcases contain books about loss processing, intended for children who have to deal with the loss of a loved one.
“Three suitcases have been put together for different age groups,” says librarian Jan De Meester. “We have a suitcase for children aged 2.5 to 7 years, one for 8 to 12 year olds and finally one for young people aged 12 and over. “
Alderman for Health Policy May Aernouts: “In addition to books for the children and their parents, the suitcases contain materials such as a cuddly toy, craft projects, a bubble blower and writing notebooks. All things that can support them in difficult times. The materials are brought together in a beautiful wicker basket.”
Emotions
“We were assisted in putting together the comfort boxes by Leen Loos from our municipality,” says Alderman Katrien Kempenaers, responsible for the library. “With her organization ‘Until the Moon…’ she has specialized in guiding children about saying goodbye. She knows better than anyone what the children need.”
According to May Aernouts, the idea for the comfort boxes is in line with the Warme William initiative. “We want people not to dwell on their concerns, but to encourage them to discuss emotions. We also support the Berrefonds, where parents of star children can borrow a cherished suitcase.”
“Most schools already work on grief and loss. These new comfort boxes are an accessible addition for children who need them. As a child-friendly municipality, the mental well-being of children is high on our agenda,” concludes Katrin Kempenaers.
You can reserve the suitcases via the website wuustwezel.bibliotheek.be, by email [email protected] or on 03-690.46.40.
Tags: Comfort boxes library children loss grief Books cuddly toys bubble blower Wuustwezel
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