The devastating events in Ukraine are painful and disturbing. The UK is preparing to welcome children and families fleeing their homes, many of whom will have been bereaved in traumatic circumstances, and bereavement services will have an important role to play in supporting them in the weeks and months to come. News coverage and discussion of the war can spark empathy and fear in the wider community of children and young people, and may reawaken their own griefs. Parents and services will be looking for ways to reassure them.
This page signposts to sources of support for children and families affected by the war in different circumstances.
Our 'I can...You can...' postcards are now available in Ukrainian for bereaved young people to download and use as prompts for support.
Support for Ukrainian nationals arriving in the UK
Practical information from the Red Cross including services and support available (English and Ukrainian)
Health and wellbeing support for adults (Ukrainian – pdf download)
Information from the Refugee Council
Leaflets about bereavement from Cruse Bereavement Care (Ukrainian)
Support for Ukrainian parents on supporting their children
Red Cross suggestions about talking to children about war (Ukrainian – pdf download)
Guidance from the Global Parenting Initiative (Ukrainian, Russian and English)
Caring for children through conflict and displacement from the UNODC and the University of Manchester (Ukrainian, Russian and English)
Advice for parents supporting children affected by the news
For young people affected by the news
For organisations supporting children bereaved by the war
Support for schools welcoming refugee children and young people
Training for bereavement and other organisations
19 May 2022: Refugee Council – Working with interpreters and Refugees/People Seeking Asylum in Therapy (for those with some experience of working with interpreters in this way)
24 May 2022: Child Bereavement UK – The impact of loss, grief and bereavement on asylum seeking families
Information for organisations and people about how to support Ukraine
Suggestions from the Refugee Council
NCVO blog