Children and young people will experience all kinds of losses throughout their life, from losing a tooth, loss of childhood through puberty, social loss of friendship groups, the death of a pet, to the death of a grandparent, parent, sibling, carer or peer group friend.
The death of a parent or other significant person, and loss of attachment, can be a threat to a child’s whole life and it is important they know that life will continue in some way.
Children experience a range of emotions and express their grief in different ways. An adolescent’s grief may be more hidden and could take time to surface or be displayed by anger.
What can I do to help?
Support available in Dudley borough
Dudley Council bereavement information and support
Mary Stevens Hospice Patient and Family Support Team offer information, signposting and support. Call 01384 443010 and ask for Marie Faux or Sarah Doyle
Dudley Public Health – CYPTeam@dudley.gov.uk
Further advice and support
Children’s Understanding of Death at Different Ages
How Children & Young People Grieve
What Helps Grieving Children and Young People
Supporting Bereaved Children Under 5 Years of Age
When Someone Special Dies Leaflet – For Children Under 7
When Someone Special Dies Leaflet – For Children 7-11 Years Old
When Someone Special Dies Leaflet – For Young People
Supporting Bereaved Children and Young People with Additional Needs Through Grief
Supporting Bereaved Children and Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Information for Schools only