Bereavement, Loss and Grief

In this page you will find a comprehensive package of information, resources and guidance aimed to enhance the support you offer to children, young people, families and colleagues who have, or are experiencing, bereavement or loss. To get the best from these resources we advise that you take some time to familiarise yourselves with the information, make relevant documents visible and readily available to children, young people and families and display posters in your establishment.

We endorse the Bereavement Charter for Adults and Children in Scotland. Click on the charter mark to find out more information.

Growing Up Grieving in Scotland

The Growing Up Grieving Project has engaged with those with lived experience of childhood bereavement as well as those with a role in supporting bereaved children and young people in Scotland.

The report sets out a route map to enable all children and young people to: prepare for a bereavement, develop the necessary skills to cope with their grief, and access the right support when they need it, at all three stages of a bereavement – before, at the time, and after.

The report concludes with seven recommendations for the Scottish Government to act upon to improve Scotland’s approach to childhood bereavement. Click on the picture to read the report.

A Community Approach to Supporting Bereavement, Loss and Grief: Guidance for Educational Establishments

In this comprehensive guidance you will find information relating to bereavement theories, impact of childhood bereavement, how children understand death at different ages, the role of education staff and how you can support bereaved pupils. You will also find sector specific resources, books, information on developing a bereavement policy and local and national support organisations.

Use the contents page to quickly access the information that is relevant to you.