Children’s sector offers support to bereaved young people amid national mourning

Among those offering support ahead of next Monday's state funeral is Action for Children, whose parenting coach Ruth Duckworth is issuing advice to families, about how the death of the monarch may be triggering memories and emotions of grief among their children.

She is urging parents and carers to use “child friendly explanations” as well as keeping to family routines, limiting time watching the news and focusing on positive memories of those who have died.

Is your child asking questions or feeling anxious about the death of Queen Elizabeth II?

For some, this may be their first experience of death. Others might be thinking more about loved ones they've lost.

Find out how you can support them with grief: https://t.co/QkvqLzTVDc

— Action for Children (@actnforchildren) September 13, 2022

“The news of the Her Majesty The Queen’s death and the current mourning period might be causing difficult emotions for your child,” said Duckworth who works for the charity’s Parent Talk service.

“They might find that it brings up memories of their own loved ones who have died.” 

She warned parents that “talking about things like death and illness can be challenging”.

Meanwhile, the National Youth Agency (NYA) is promoting guidance to youth workers on supporting young people impacted by grief.

This includes advice from organisations, including YoungMinds and Youth Access, on coping with grief and loss in the media, guidance for older teenagers on issues around bereavement as well as how to access local counselling and therapeutic services.

“We also appreciate that youth workers may also be processing the news and that this may trigger an emotional response,” added the NYA.

It advises youth workers to “remember to look after yourselves too, and speak to a friend or colleague, or seek the help of a professional therapist or counsellor if needed”.

The National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has issued a reminder to families that at times of national mourning “private griefs can be reawakened” among children.

The death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II brings a national focus on grief and mourning. @CBNtweets, part of the NCB family, offer tips on how to answer children’s questions and provide information on organisations who offer further support https://t.co/P9nQocxu0I pic.twitter.com/vlWpvuxf6m

— CDC (@CDC_tweets) September 14, 2022

The NCB’s Childhood Bereavement Network is promoting support for families and children’s professionals in dealing with issues around loss.

This includes resources from Child Bereavement UK on talking to children about subjects such as death and dying. Another flagged up by the Network is tips from Place2Be for parents on supporting children when someone they know dies.

In addition, the Diana Award offers a messenger service providing free confidential support for children feeling overwhelmed. 

If you feel overwhelmed during this period of national mourning and you don't feel comfortable speaking to someone you know - don't worry, we've got you.

Our Messenger service provides free confidential support 24/7, just text DA to 85258 anytime, day or night.

— The Diana Award (@DianaAward) September 14, 2022

Elsewhere, the Scouts has issued advice for local groups on supporting children. This includes activity ideas to commemorate the Queen as well as reflect on loss and expressing feelings around grief.

Ideas range from “planning an act of kindness” in memory of the late monarch or staging a ‘Royal quiz’ around her reign.

Other ideas include creating a crown from fallen leaves and asking children to record a short radio speech.