This arts-based, youth-friendly resource is designed to help children and youth identify sources of comfort, strength, and peace during difficult times. While originally created to support siblings (ages 7-17) of children with a tracheostomy, this activity is a powerful tool that anyone can use to help ground themselves during big feelings.

What is a Hope Box?

A Hope Box is a personal collection of meaningful objects that bring you comfort. Hope looks different to everyone—it might be a favourite memory, a calming object, a special song, or a goal for the future. Gathering items that make you feel hopeful acts as a visual reminder of your inner strength and your ability to move through hard times.

How to Build Your Box:

1. Get your guide: Follow the guide on the right, or click the link below to download or print a copy.

2. Reflect on the prompts: Explore the questions in the guide. Use them to write down why each object is special to you, so you can easily remember those hopeful thoughts later.

3. Keep it close: Keep your Hope Box in a safe, accessible spot. Whenever life feels heavy or you just want to brighten your mood, open your box to find comfort and a reassuring reminder of hope.

Click here to download or print the Hope Box Activity Guide (PDF)

Share Your Creation!

We would love to see what brings you hope. If you or your child would like to share a photo of your completed Hope Box, please send an image to Alexis Ludlow at aludlow@ualberta.ca.

Need Support?

If you have any questions about this activity, please reach out to Alexis Ludlow at aludlow@ualberta.ca or 780-248-5650.

Exciting news—this tool is competing in the arts-based category of the 2026 CIHR IHDCYH Talks Knowledge Mobilization Competition! If you like this resource, you can vote for it on the Hope Box Activity Voting Page. Voting is open until November 30th, 2026.