Children and young people’s sector pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Fiona Simpson
Friday, September 9, 2022
Organisations from across the children's sector have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II following her death aged 96 and issued resources on supporting young people through a period of national mourning.
Britain’s longest-reigning monarch died on Thursday (8 September) after reigning for 70 years.
The Queen was patron of several charities supporting children and young people including Barnardo’s, Action for Children, the NSPCC and Save the Children UK and youth work organisations Girlguiding and Scouts.
The Queen’s Awards for Voluntary Service which recognises the work of voluntary organisations in the UK, announced in May, that 20 charities supporting young people were set to be recognised by the Queen as part of her platinum jubilee celebrations. The winners were expected to be announced next month.
Other awards recognised by the Queen, which celebrate the work of young people across the Commonwealth include the Queen’s Guide Award and the Queen’s Young Leaders.
Sector tributes
Following the announcement of her death, Girlguiding chief executive, Angela Salt, said: "Her Majesty the Queen had a long association with Girlguiding throughout her life", noting that she joined 1st Buckingham Palace Guides aged 11 before becoming a Sea Ranger in 1946.
“In 1953, the year she succeeded to the throne, Her Majesty the Queen became Girlguiding’s Patron. Over the years thousands of girls and young women across the UK and overseas have worked hard to achieve their Queen’s Guide Award, the highest award available in guiding. Our programme of badges and activities has changed since 1937, as the world and lives of girls have changed - but the fun, friendship and adventure that the Queen enjoyed in guiding is still enjoyed by thousands of girls and young women in guiding today.
It is with profound sadness that we have learned of the death of our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen. Our deepest sympathies are with the Royal Family at this very sad time. https://t.co/DdHeXsL5h1 pic.twitter.com/n6j6wwueQA
— Girlguiding (@Girlguiding) September 8, 2022
“Throughout her life, the Queen embodied the spirit of guiding. Every day she kept her promise to do her best, live according to her beliefs, and to serve people. Her dedication and service as the longest-reigning monarch has inspired all girls and young women in guiding to serve their communities across the UK and beyond, a legacy our members will continue to uphold in her honour.
“We’re honoured and hugely grateful for the support and friendship she bestowed on Girlguiding as our patron. We join the nation in mourning the loss of a truly inspirational Guide, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," Salt added.
Scouts said in a statement: "We remember Her Majesty the Queen as a respected leader, a beloved monarch and patron. She was truly a friend to Scouts everywhere. For seventy years, she has stood at our side, encouraging our volunteers and inspiring our young people to learn new skills, help others and shine brightly."
We remember HM The Queen as a respected leader, a beloved monarch and Patron. She was truly a friend to Scouts everywhere. For seventy years, she has stood at our side, encouraging our volunteers and inspiring our young people to learn new skills, help others and shine brightly. pic.twitter.com/7YkVpIP2Nb
— Scouts (@scouts) September 9, 2022
Scouts chief executive Matt Hyde reflected on a quote from the Queen, who once said "scouting is a global force for good. In the UK and around the world, Scouts are helping others and making the most of their lives".
A statement from the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, which was founded by the Queen's late husband Prince Philip, described the former monarch as "a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to public service, helping to shape and enrich the lives of generations".
"Her enthusiastic support of our charity, founded by her husband Prince Philip, has enabled The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to empower millions of young people with the skills, confidence and self-belief to reach their full potential," it added.
The National Children’s Bureau wishes to show its respect for the death of Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by suspending all social media activity in honour of her lifetime of service. Our thoughts are with her family, friends & the countless people grieving at this time. pic.twitter.com/0plUkZZXX3
— National Children's Bureau (@ncbtweets) September 9, 2022
Mark Russell, chief executive at The Children’s Society, said: “The Queen has been a constant source of grace in our lives since her coronation in 1952. Her selfless service to the country touched the lives of many people here, and also had a profound influence on the way we are seen around the world.
“Over her long reign, Her Majesty was committed to improving the wellbeing of children and young people, and the royal family have been great supporters of our work.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time, and with the many people around the country of all ages who will be affected by this sad news.”
We are incredibly saddened to hear the news of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.
— Become (@Become1992) September 9, 2022
Today, we pay tribute to her 70 years of service.
We will be quiet on social media for the next few days but will be monitoring our messages.
Meanwhile, Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of the National Day Nurseries Association, said the early years sector is "deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II".
“As the nation mourns, we convey our deep condolences to the royal family and we will be paying our respects in this period of national mourning. We would also like to celebrate her service, commitment to the country and achievements during her historic reign. Many of those working in early years have had the honour of being recognised for their contributions to society in the Queen’s name.
“As our longest-reigning monarch her platinum jubilee was celebrated by children up and down the country and her reassuring presence will be hugely missed," she added.
We join the Nation’s deep sadness at the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. The Queen dedicated her life to public service and was a true champion of the charity sector. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family. pic.twitter.com/JZ7ESmjKZE
— Auditory Verbal UK (@AuditoryVerbal) September 9, 2022
Supporting children
Dr Jane Gilmour, consultant clinical psychologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital, and course director for postgraduate child development programmes at University College London, has also shared tips on how to speak to children about the Queen's death.
These include "being proactive and telling children what has happened using language that is accurate and straightforward", allowing children to ask questions and naming emotions they may be feeling.
Youth work organisations have shared advice and resources to support professionals speaking to children about the death of the Queen.
Scouts has launched a resources page on its website, telling members "we know many of you will want to mark this moment. We’d like to help you do that in a way that’s as respectful and meaningful as possible".
The National Youth Agency (NYA) said it has asked government for advice on how youth work organisations should operate during the national mourning period.
It has also shared a resources for youth workers discussing bereavement with children and has opened an online book of condolences for young people to sign.
Youth mental health charity The Mix shared a guide to coping with grief on Twitter and wrote: "We're very sad to hear the news of the Queen passing, and our thoughts are with her family and everyone across the UK. Grief can affect us all differently and finding ways to cope can be painful, but there are ways to help process it."
Peer Power wrote on Twitter: "The chief executive and board of trustees of Peer Power Youth are sorry to hear the news of the Queen’s death and send condolences to her family. The impact of her death is complicated for many people, and the Peer Power community stand with everyone experiencing challenging emotions."
The Queen's funeral is expected to be held within 14 days of her death. The Department for Education has not yet announced whether schools will close to mark the occasion.
