Children and young people may need support following the death of a parent, family member, friend or another significant person in their life. This page provides guidance, resources and support information for professionals working with children and young people affected by bereavement, including a downloadable guide for schools and education settings.

This guidance may be useful for:

• schools and education settings
• early years providers
• health professionals
• social workers
• youth workers
• voluntary and community organisations supporting children and families

Bereavement in educational settings guide

This guide provides practical advice for schools and educational settings on responding to bereavement, supporting pupils, communicating with families and creating a compassionate environment.

The guide includes information on:

• responding to bereavement in educational settings
• supporting bereaved pupils
• communicating with families
• supporting staff and classmates
• planning for significant anniversaries and events
• signposting to further support

Download the guide:

Bereavement in educational settings guide (PDF, 4.3MB)

Supporting bereaved children and young people

Understanding grief in children and young people

• grief affects children differently depending on their age and experiences
• responses can be emotional, behavioural, social or physical
• grieving is not a linear process

Talking about death and loss

• use clear and honest language
• provide opportunities to ask questions
• listen without making assumptions

Supporting children in education settings

• maintain routines where possible
• work closely with parents and carers
• consider important dates, anniversaries and transitions
• recognise that children may need support over an extended period

When additional support may be needed

A child or young person may benefit from additional support if they:

• show significant changes in behaviour that continue over time
• become withdrawn from friends, family or activities they previously enjoyed
• experience ongoing difficulties with attendance or engagement in education
• express persistent feelings of hopelessness or distress
• show signs that their grief is having a significant impact on their daily life

Professionals should work with parents, carers and relevant services to identify the most appropriate support for the child or young person.

Where there are concerns about a child's wellbeing or safety, professionals should follow their organisation's safeguarding procedures and seek appropriate advice.

Bereavement support services and resources

No single organisation can meet every bereavement support need. Professionals should work together with children, young people and families to identify the most appropriate support at the right time.

Local support

The following organisations provide information, advice and support for children, young people, families and professionals affected by bereavement:

• Westmorland and Furness Child Safeguarding: Information on bereavement and other emotional wellbeing and mental health services
• Kooth: Children and young people aged 10 to 19 can access free, safe and anonymous online support
• Cumbria Family Support helps families with children to get through difficult times
• Mindline Cumbria offers information and support for people experiencing mental health problems, including their families, friends and carers
• CancerCare offers advice and support for adults and children for any type of bereavement
• The Primary Mental Health Worker Service offers consultation and advice to professionals and parents and carers about services in the area that can support children and young people’s mental health and emotional wellbeing
  • Email: pmhw.mytime@barnardos.org.uk
  • Telephone: 01539 742 626
• Talking Therapies can help with a variety of problems including bereavement, anxiety and other emotional wellbeing concerns. You can speak to your GP for a referral or contact the service directly:
  • South Cumbria (South Lakes and Furness)bsp;
    Telephone: 0300 555 0345
  • North Cumbria (Eden)
    Telephone: 0300 123 9122

National organisations

The following organisations provide information, advice and support for children, young people, families and professionals affected by bereavement:

• Child Bereavement UK supports families and educates professionals when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement
• Childline provides confidential support and counselling for children and young people
  Telephone: 0800 1111 or chat one-to-one with a counsellor online
• Samaritans: 24 hour confidential listening and support for anyone who needs it
  Telephone: 116 113 or email jo@samaritans.org
• Young Minds: Help if you are feeling worried or anxious regarding a range of issues including bereavement, self-harm, bullying, eating disorders and exam stress
• Livewell: Information for parents and carers about when to be concerned and how to get help for teenagers
• Winston’s Wish provides specialist child bereavement support services across the UK, including in-depth therapeutic help
• National Bereavement Alliance offers support for those affected by a bereavement and also have the Grief Support Guide
• The Good Grief Trust website has a wealth of help, support, and resources for all
• Brake’s National Road Victim Service: Contact Brake if someone you love has been killed or seriously injured in a road crash. They're open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm. Anyone can refer by calling 0808 800 0401 or by visiting the Brake website
• CEOP Education: Resources for parents and carers, schools and those working with young people