Policy into practice Childhood bereavement
Anne Longfield
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The issue: Over the past few weeks, advertising in shops and the media has reminded us to make a fuss of our dads on Father's Day. However, for many young people 21 June will be a day of sadness, not celebration. Every 22 minutes a child in Britain is bereaved of a parent - this equates to more than 24,000 newly bereaved children every year.
Grieving for a parent or someone close that has passed away is a difficult time. Shortly before Mothering Sunday this year, Prince William raised awareness of the issue as patron of the Child Bereavement Charity, when he spoke movingly about the loss of his mother.
Fortunately, there are many services across the country that provide support for young people who have lost a loved one and are trying to come to terms with their grief.
CASE STUDY 1
The Cruse Bereavement Charity has set up a website, www.rd4u.org.uk, dedicated to helping young people through this difficult time. The website stands for Road For You reflecting the different way of dealing with death that everyone will have. The website is managed and controlled by young people who have experienced bereavement and understand the needs of its users.
The site has developed different ways of supporting young people including a freephone number and forums for people to write messages of support or just to post their feelings. The Cruse Bereavement website also has a section where it offers adults advice on young people and what they may be thinking and feeling during this difficult time.
CASE STUDY 2
With Father's Day approaching fast, Winston's Wish, a leading childhood bereavement charity, has released some helpful pointers on how to remember fathers who have died.
The charity suggests taking a special card to his grave or where his ashes are scattered; blowing bubbles and sending love in the wind or listening to his favourite music. The tips aim to help make Father's Day feel more like a celebration of a father's life.
Winston's Wish offers a wide range of practical support and guidance on bereavement to children, their families and professionals. It provides professional therapeutic help in individual, group and residential settings, via a national helpline, interactive website and publications.
- Anne Longfield is chief executive of 4Children