Problem
Bereavement
Description
Grief is the normal response to the loss of a loved one.
Children’s response to grief can be varied, dependent on age and cognition. Quite often it can be the subsequent change in circumstances or other family members’ reactions that can prove difficult for the child.
You may want to consider referral to CAMHS services when the loss has had an extreme impact on the child and their functioning, or when the child is experiencing difficulties after bereavement support
Although painful for everyone including professionals, you may wish to give the child & family some time to experience a normal grief process. Referrals can be made when difficulties exceed an expected grief response.
West Lothian: The Mental Health and Mental Wellbeing Screening group offers a wide variety of support for children young people and their families. Please contact the Children and Young Peoples team on Tel. 01506 282948 or email cypt@westlothian.gov.uk
Helpful websites
www.winstonswish.org.uk – charity for bereaved children and their families after death of parent or sibling
www.childbereavement.org.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.
www.crusescotland.org.uk – does support children and young people who are experiencing bereavement – the target youth-specific website from Cruse is www.rd4u.org.uk
Edinburgh & Midlothian: Richmond’s Hope: http://www.richmondshope.org.uk which provides support to those aged 4-18 who have experienced a significant bereavement.
Tel: 0131 661 6818
Email: info@richmondshope.org.uk
CAMHS Resource-Websites for Children and Adolescent with MH difficulties May 2019.pdf
The above is a PDF document listing resources and contacts that can be printed off
Marie Curie has resources about understanding normal bereavement including information for those supporting children – on the funeral zone and https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/bereaved-family-friends/supporting-grieving-child/grief-affect-child
(which has links to yet more resources)
The MAGGIE’s Centre including at Crewe Road also has resources https://www.maggiescentres.org/cancerlinks/supporting-someone/bereavement-support/bereavement-support-children/
