All families will experience the loss of a loved one at some time. This is a difficult time for everyone but we are here to support you and your child at this time, however we can.
Children react very differently to bereavement, no two situations are the same, so please do talk to us f you experience this in your family. We will make key staff aware and be sensitive to how the bereavement has affected your child.
We have a selection of books you can borrow to read with your child to talk about bereavement, and you can also talk to our Family Support Worker.
We can also refer you to Nelson’s journey who support families and children who have lost someone the love. You can also contact them directly. Please visit their website www.nelsonsjourney.org.uk
They also have a new resource called the smiles and tears box. Please see below for further information.
Nelson’s Journey (@nelsonsjourney)
Today we are excited to launch the Smiles & Tears Box, created by young people for young people. It provides a means to comfort and support bereaved children and young when you don’t know what to say or do. Watch this short video to find out more youtu.be/mpUaFxYSsKIpic.twitter.com/FSM2n7lCTl
Supportive websites about bereavement
The following are websites they may help you to talk to your child or family about bereavement. Please look at them first so you can see how suitable they are for use with your child at their age and stage of understanding and development. We know these topics are upsetting for families, but we hope they may help give you ideas to support you at a difficult time.
Learning about loss, is an article on the website of the National Children’s Bureau helping schools to think about how they can tackle dying and bereavement within their curriculum. The resources below will help you deal with these issues.
Learning about Loss (National Children’s Bureau)
https://www.ncb.org.uk/news-opinion/news-highlights/learning-about-loss
Managing a sudden death in the school community (LGfL)
http://bereavement.lgfl.org.uk
Responding to a death that is suspected to be a suicide (Samaritans)
https://www.samaritans.org/education/step-by-step/resources/respond-suspected-suicide-schools
Talking about death with your little one (CBeebies)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownups/our-family-talking-about-death-with-your-little-one
How to support a bereaved child (Video, Child Bereavement UK)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aix0ted9NKk
What helps grieving children and young people (pdf)
https://childbereavementuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/1.4-What-helps-grieving-children-and-young-people-1.pdf
Books for younger children
- Frog and the Birdsong by Max Velthuijs (Picture Book)
- Benny’s Hat by Juliet Clare Bell and Dave Gray (Picture Book)
- Badger’s Parting Gifts by Susan Varley (Picture Book)
Top 10 children’s books on death and bereavement (Guardian)
https://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2015/feb/05/top-10-childrens-books-on-death-bereavement-holly-webb
Books for teenagers about death and grief (Marie Curie)
https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/bereaved-family-friends/coping-grief-teenager/teen-grief-books
Explaining Bereavement to children with autism (National Autistic Society)
http://www.autism.org.uk/about/family-life/bereavement.aspx