Grief and loss

Supporting Grief and Loss

When a parent, sibling, grandparent or friend has died, children and young people grieve just as deeply as adults, but they can show it in different ways. How a child or young person responds to someone dying will be influenced by their age and understanding, the relationship they had with the person who died, and how the person died. The way they react will vary greatly, as individual children absorb and process information differently.

We have put together some information and useful online guidance for you to support a child or young person dealing with bereavement.  Please click here if you would like to download this page as a pdf document for printing or sharing.

Information for Schools:

Educational Psychology Service, Bereavement Resource Pack can now be viewed on GLOW

Bereavement Pack online (SIC Glow sign in required)

Advice for schools supporting bereaved pupils | Winston’s Wish

Supporting children and young people through bereavement | Resources | Education Scotland

Seasons for Growth is a programme run in schools, on request, for children and young people who have experienced significant change or loss. Addressing a variety of emotional and behavioural issues and reducing the amount of children and young people who require specialist help. Seasons for Growth is based on the belief that change, loss and grief are a normal and valuable part of life. It is not counselling or therapy.

For further information please contact: Marina Bazeley, Education Outreach Worker.

Information for Parents/Carers:

Grief support for parents and carers support bereaved children | Winston’s Wish

Grief in Common podcast | Winston’s Wish

Suggested workbooks/storybooks for children:

Child Bereavement UK also have a great suggested reading list together with online resources:

book cover of Muddles Puddles and Sunshine   book cover of Badgers Parting Gifts   book cover of Invisible String   book cover of Luna's Red Hat   book cover of When Someone Very Special Dies

Books and resources for bereaved children up to 11 years old | Child Bereavement UK
Books and resources for bereaved children from 11 to 18 years old | Child Bereavement UK

We do have a small selection of example books for you to view on request.

Child Bereavement UK and Winston’s Wish are childhood bereavement charities in the UK which offers a wide range of online practical support and guidance to bereaved children.
Child Bereavement UK and Winston's Wish logos

Local Support:

Shetland Bereavement Support Service logo

Shetland Bereavement Support Service aims to support anyone in Shetland experiencing a bereavement – that includes children and young adults. SBSS has support workers who have received specialist training in supporting bereaved children and young adults. They also offer great online resources.

Contact:
Email: sbss@shetland.org
Website: Shetland Bereavement Support Service

Schools – resources for teachers | Shetland Bereavement Support Service
Families – resources for parents | Shetland Bereavement Support Service

Educational Psychology Service is available for consultation and possible intervention in relation to bereavement and loss impacting on children and those who support or care for them.

Our part-time Education Outreach Worker, Marina Bazeley, is available for guidance and further discussion.

Should you require more information on any of the information supplied please contact:

Marina Bazeley
Education Outreach Worker
Email: marina.bazeley@shetland.gov.uk
Email: eps.admin@shetland.gov.uk
Tel: 01595 745588