School project dealing with dying, death and bereavement

German Version

Project leader: Prof. Dr. Raymond Voltz
Contact: Nicole Nolden, Kirsten Fay
Duration: 04/2015 - 03/2017; 11/2018 - 12/2019
Funding institution: German Hospice and Palliative Association (DHPV) and the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ)

In 2009, the Departement of Palliative Medicine developed a school project class for young pupils in order to offer them the opportunity, within a protected framework, to deal preventively with the topics of "dying and death", "mourning" and "suicide" among their peers. 
Adolescents are encouraged to meet their own difficulties and needs with good self-care and at the same time to get involved in dealing with those affected without fear. They get to know the help offered by palliative medicine and hospice work for patients.

With the support of the German Hospice and Palliative Association and the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, project teaching was evaluated, discussed and constantly developed further. 

Meanwhile, the experienced project leaders, Kirsten Fay and Nicole Nolden, as well as four other trained seminar leaders, offer nationwide a two-day multiplier training for teachers of all school types and for hospice employees to conduct the project lessons together as a team in the schools. It is a varied and creative programme with the additional modules "Crisis Intervention", "Suicide" and "Dealing with Grieving Pupils".

For further inquiries please contact palliativzentrum-schulprojekt@uk-koeln.de.