We will offer an assessment for your child. We complete this assessment with the parent/carer usually over the telephone. Assessment appointments take between 30 and 45 minutes to complete. We will then offer six group therapy sessions. These take place weekly at the same time, in the same venue.
In some instances, children are offered one-to-one therapy. The assessment appointment takes place as above and then we offer 3 initial therapy sessions. During this time, we will see how a child engages. If a child is attending and progressing well, we will offer three more sessions.
We have strict rules about missed appointments. Many children approach Listening Ear for help and so it is important that all appointments are attended.
Listening Ear currently accepts referrals for children and young people who have experienced bereavement (including murder, manslaughter and suicide) or loss (including divorce/separation, domestic abuse in the home, children looked after and parent in prison).
Please be aware that our resources for supporting children from outside Knowsley with bereavement and divorce/separation are limited. It is likely that group support will be offered and children will be expected to travel to Whiston to access support.
Listening Ear has a generic referral form available via our website. Please click the referral button.
My child has expressed a wish to die. What should I do?+
Make a GP appointment as soon as possible. Explain to the G.P. receptionist that you require an urgent appointment. If you become more concerned about the child/young person prior to this appointment, please take your child to A and E. Unfortunately Listening Ear does not currently offer a crisis service.
We would recommend a period of six months following a bereavement when children will naturally grieve the loss of someone close to them. If following this period you have concerns about how a child is coping following a bereavement, then you can make a referral into our service.

AMPARO means shelter or safe haven in the Portuguese and Spanish languages. AMPARO can place support around any person affected by a suspected or completed suicide. This can be family members, friends or colleagues.
Support is provided 1:1 and our staff can assist with a range of practical matters such as dealing with Police and Coroners, helping with any media enquiries, help with overcoming isolation experienced and contacting and signposting to other local support services.
What to expect from Amparo?
A discreet and completely confidential service! The Coroner will offer access to AMPARO immediately following a death by suspected or completed suicide. We can also accept self-referrals using the Referral’s link above. Following a referral, a member of the AMPARO team will call you and offer a home visit or a further telephone call initially if you prefer.
AMPARO can also support communities, schools and workplaces in the event of a suspected or completed suicide. Contact details are provided below.
E. amparo.service@listening-ear.co.uk
T. 0330 088 9255