Bereavement
This page contains links to organisations which provide support for bereavement. We have also included a number of specific publications and other resources that may be of help at this time. The resources listed include a range of materials suitable for children, young people and adults. Our Bereavement and Mental Health leaflet, which is designed to be printed off and shared with colleagues, can be found here.
Child Bereavment Network
CBN supports professionals working with bereaved children and young people. The website includes lots of helpful information including resources which can be used to support children.Tel: 020 7843 6309.
CRUSE Bereavement Care
Bereavement counselling service for adults and children. They also produce excellent resources and helpful leaflets. CRUSE offers a 1:1 counselling service from nearly 200 local branches. Helpline: 0808 808 1677. Aimed at children and young people, www.hopeagain.org.uk is a website run by CRUSE for children and young people who have been bereaved and want news and information designed specifically for them.
Winstons Wish
Winston’s Wish is a child bereavement charity which provides resources and support for children and families. Their website includes much good information and resources. Tel: 01242 515157.
Child Bereavement UK
Produces many ideas and support materials for children and their families. Look under the ‘Information and Support’ tab for different themes. There is a helpline and calls from schools are answered by someone with classroom experience. Tel: 0800 02 888 40.
BBC ideas is a short factual video platform designed for over 18s. It contains a collection of short films on a huge range of topics which are designed to be thought-provoking. Some films are concerned with dealing with death and dying e.g. a short film by palliative care doctor, Kathryn Mannix who shares her views about the process of dying and the need to talk about it. Honest, thought provoking and moving
Fegans is a Christian charity providing professional therapeutic services. They work holistically with families and schools offering a range of counselling and support services. Tel: 01892 538288
Publications and Resources
CofE Faith at Home: 'Never the same'
A school leadership resource which explores issues and questions around grief, bereavement and loss in relation to the Church ofEngland’s Vision for Education. It includes reflection questions for you to consider as a school team.
‘Strategy for Schools’
Policy and procedure guidance for when there is a death in the school community.
‘Has Someone Died?
Cruse Bereavement Care has also produced specific advice documents for parents and carers, schools and teenagers. These can be accessed via their website.
‘Death Grief and Hope’ - Church Army
A publication from a Christian perspective which aims at giving young people straight answers during the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores some of the difficult questions young people may be asking at this time.
Diocese of Chichester
A brief document specifically for headteachers which provides some practical advice around communicating information about a death during this time. There are some Bereavement REsource boxes with books and resources in them which can be borrowed from Church House, Hove. To book a box please email the department.
Diocese of Canterbury
A Bereavement support pack for schools: Journeying with and alongside those who are grieving:
Diocese of Chelmsford
Has compiled a list of books that deal with issues of death, grief and bereavement.
Diocese of St. Edmundsbury & Ipswich - Bereavement Guidelines
A practical and useful document for school leadership, covering all aspects of dealing with bereavement in school.