Supporting bereaved children during the pandemic
The outbreak of Covid-19 means that many aspects of children's lives are changing. School is closed for most, lots of parents are working from home, and families are having to spend time apart when they would like to be together. The news is full of talk of the virus and the effect it is having.
Many children will have questions and worries about the virus, but those who have experienced the death of someone important or who have an ill family member might be particularly worried. This page has some tips about supporting bereaved children during the outbreak.
- Child Bereavement UK have guidance films and information to support families and schools in supporting children during the outbreak, including staying in touch with someone who is seriously ill, supporting bereaved children during difficult times and supporting pupils.
- Winston's Wish have produced guidance on topics including talking to bereaved children about coronavirus, telling a child that someone has died from coronavirus, and saying goodbye when a funeral isn't possible
- Cruse Bereavement Care have produced some tips about talking to children among their wider resources about grief and coronavirus
- Grief Encounter have information on supporting children and young people
- You can find local and national child bereavement services here.
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We have developed some cards that bereaved young people can use during the lockdown to reach out for support from their parent or carer, friend and school. There’s also one with tips for themselves