Children’s Grief Awareness Week

News - 15 November 2022

Children’s Grief Awareness Week runs from the 17th - 23rd November 2022. Children’s Grief Awareness Week was initiated by Grief Encounter and the Childhood Bereavement Network in 2015, as a way to recognise and raise awareness of the bereavement experiences of children and young people.

Text in rainbow colours which reads 'children’s grief awareness week’ 17th to 23rd November 2022

Children’s Grief Awareness Week is a chance for the United Kingdom to be more mindful and aware of the impact bereavement can have on children and young people.

Children and young people experience the same sorts of feelings as adults when someone dies. But they may express them differently. It is important they have someone to talk to and ways to help them cope available. 

A recent report from the independent UK Commission on Bereavement, ‘Bereavement is Everyone’s Business’ highlights precisely why  support is so vital for families. Many bereaved children and young people who responded to the Commission valued the structured support that bereavement services can offer. Children and young people appreciated feeling understood, being able to talk to someone who ‘got it’, getting help managing their thoughts and feelings, remembering the person who had died, and building their confidence.

Support available for bereaved children

Child Bereavement UK provide confidential support, information and guidance to individuals, families and professionals throughout the UK. The support team is available to respond to calls, Live Chat and email 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, except Bank Holidays. Call: 0800 02 888 40 or visit: Child Bereavement UK Helpline Local support from this service is available. 

Hope Again is the youth website of Cruse Bereavement Support. It is a safe place where you can learn from other young people, how to cope with grief, and feel less alone. Visit: Hope Again

NHS Bereavement information Bereavement and young people - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Halton Mental Health Support Information Point offers links to mental health information and support services for parents and young people. Visit: How can I seek & get help for a mental health problem? (halton.gov.uk) 

Children's Grief Awareness Week webinar mini-series

The Childhood Bereavement Network will be delivering a short webinar mini-series during Children's Grief Awareness Week.They are free and open to anyone with an interest in supporting children and young people. Find out more at: Children's Grief Awareness Week webinar mini-series (childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk)

You might also be interested in

2 doses of the MMR vaccine can stop your child becoming seriously unwell with measles. Make sure your child is up to date with their MMR vaccinations

Measles cases prompt MMR vaccine call

The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported an increase in measles across the country and is encouraging people to check that they and their children have had two doses of the MMR vaccine.
News
'Place2Be's Children's Mental Health Week 5-11 Feb 2024'

Children's Mental Health Week 2024

Help give a voice to children and young people across the UK in Children’s Mental Health Week, from 5-11 February 2024.
Children's Mental Health Week is a mental health awareness week that empowers, equips and gives a voice to all children and young people in the UK.
News
Image of a school classroom with a teacher and pupils.

Back to school advice for North West parents

With most children now back at school the UK Health Security Agency North West reminds parents of back-to-school advice amid rising levels of winter illness.

To keep attendance in education and childcare settings high this January, parents are urged to take simple steps to protect communities following the Christmas break.
News