Guide to Supporting Children through Bereavement and Loss: Emotional Wellbeing in School and at Home

Currently, many children are unable to access emotional support services, and other members of a child’s support network are required to provide this emotional guidance and support. This resource book has been written to support children when they have experienced a loss or bereavement. It is intended to be used as a guide by families and friends, school staff, and all other adults supporting children through their grief, to help them to provide this emotional guidance.

Guide to Supporting Children through Bereavement and Loss offers information, education and guidance about how to understand grief, ways to support the process and emotions of grief, and to help children to express themselves and make sense of their changed world. It covers the ‘stages of grief’, and holds many practical ideas and activities designed to help children to process and understand their grief, as well as to express and explore their emotions. There is a section on undertaking group work for bereaved children, as well as information on both selfcare and what to do when a referral to a specialist service may be required.

This guide was designed to be used by any person supporting a child through loss or bereavement, no matter what their previous understanding of these issues. It is specifically written to be as accessible and as user-friendly as possible to help, rather than hinder, the user. It can be used alone, or alongside the storybook When the Sun Fell Out of the Sky.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Considerations

1. Grief
2. Listening
3. My First Aid Kit
4. Anxiety
5. Helping Children to Express Emotions
6. Memories and Special Times
7. Breathing
8. Relaxation
9. Mindfulness
10. Other Activities
11. Group Work
12. Additional Support

"The resource pack is a must have, sharing a wide range of ideas to support children through tough times. It’s invaluable!"
- Charlotte Kerr, Behaviour Practitioner

"Due to increased waiting times and lack of outside agency support, pressure is being placed on schools to help children cope with what can be an upsetting and stressful world. Supporting with mental health is an area teachers often lack confidence in. These books and resources offer the starting point needed and enable teachers and teaching assistants to feel like this is an area they can support with. Beautifully illustrated and a pleasure to read. After years of searching I know there is nothing quite as good as this out there! "
- Corrin Watson, Assistant Head Teacher and SENCO

"These wonderful stories are so easy for children to relate to, and understand the feelings and meanings shared. The resource books are ideal for helping children to explore their emotions, and for parents, carers and school staff to feel equipped to help them to do so."
- Gemma Oliver, Learning Mentor

"This book helps to explains loss in a beautiful way that children will be able to understand. A lovely read for such a hard subject. It removes the stigma and the recourse guide aids parents, carers and professionals from all areas to be able to tackle this and enable children to work through their pain. I can't recommend these books enough."
- Rosie Cottam, Child Psychotherapist