Venues across St Helens are welcoming The Grief Helpline for Social Animals, a heart-warming audio installation created by artist Jenny Gaskell and a group of bereaved children aged 5–10. Inspired by how social animals like elephants and whales express grief, the installation shares children’s advice on caring for grieving creatures—and each other.
Visitors can pick up a phone receiver at various St Helens locations to hear the children’s touching perspectives, recorded after months of workshops, games, and creative exploration.
“The best thing about the sessions was making things, making friends, and talking about Mummy,” said one young participant.
The installation will tour local libraries throughout 2024 and 2025, with semi-permanent homes at the Living Well Café and St Helens Crematorium. This thoughtful project, produced by Wonder Arts and Heart of Glass with Child Bereavement UK and Willowbrook Hospice, offers a gentle, compassionate way to explore grief and connection.
For more details, visit the installation starting 5 December at the Living Well Café or visit heartofglass.org.uk/social-animals