​Your child may be experiencing a change such as the death of someone close, family separation, divorce, or natural disaster. Such changes are a normal and valuable part of life and growing up. Your child can receive support from staff at this time, which may last for only a short time or could be for a longer period, depending on your child and the situation.

How can I help?

• Reassure them that they are loved.
• Make sure they know where you are and when you are coming back.
• Let them know who they can talk to and have a cuddle with.
• Encourage them to talk about their thoughts and feelings.
• Keep to familiar routines as much as possible.
• Involve them, where appropriate, in decisions and plans.

Where can I find further advice?

• Seasons for Growth (the Notre Dame Centre) - Seasons for Growth is a programme for children, young people or adults who have experienced significant change or loss.
• Child Bereavement UK - supports families when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement.

Child Bereavement UK has published a number of downloadable help sheets, including this one for parents:

PDF file: Building resilience in bereaved children: for parents and carers (80 KB)