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. Advice line number: 01384 445417. Email:PAFSS@marystevenshospice.co.uk
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