By ALESHA CAPONE
MERCY Pallative Care in Sunshine have introduced a toy bear into their bereavement information sessions.
After one of the group’s participants mentioned her daughter had bought her a teddy-bear after the death of her husband, Mercy’s grief coordinator Colleen Kannegiesser was inspired to purchase a bear for group sessions.
The group has dubbed the cuddly toy the ‘Mercy P Care Bear’ and have been finding “great comfort” in his presence.
Ms Kannegiesser is planning to use the bear in other groups where participants have experienced the loss of a loved family member.
“This will be particularly comforting to children who have experienced the loss of a parent,” Colleen said.
“I think the Mercy P Care Bear will be of great comfort to many people in the future.”