Child Bereavement UK
Child Bereavement UK supports families and educates professionals when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement. Every year we train over 9000 professionals, helping them to better understand and meet the needs of grieving families. In the UK, when a baby or child dies, or a child is bereaved, many of those affected are unable to access good quality support which meets their individual needs. Child Bereavement UK believes all families should have the support they need to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. Our aim is to make sure they do.
How does your organisation contribute to preventing suicide and supporting those affected by it?
Our support for bereaved children, families and adults includes those bereaved by suicide and all our support encourages communication within the person’s own support network.
What are your current priorities?
Our wide remit of free support extends to supporting the whole family when either a child dies or a child or young person is facing bereavement. This includes supporting those bereaved by suicide and those who experience suicidal thoughts or who are worried about someone being at risk of suicide. Our support, both face to face and over the telephone, encourages communication within the family, and ways to rebuild lives and belief in the future following a bereavement. We have publications and free information to download that is specific to supporting children, young people and adults affected by suicide.
What challenges are you currently facing?
Our mapping of support organisations across the UK shows significant gaps in
bereavement support.