Bereavement & Loss
Are you or a member of your family struggling to cope with grief and loss. Below are some links and resources that may help.
Supporting children and young people who experience loss and bereavement
Understanding Loss and Supporting Wellbeing
Loss is the experience of being deprived of someone or something important, and it is something many children, young people, families and members of our community in Renfrewshire will encounter at different points in their lives. Loss can take many forms, including bereavement, family separation, changes in relationships, moving home or community, or other significant life events.
Children and young people who have experienced loss benefit from being surrounded by nurturing relationships, emotional safety, and adults who understand their needs. Having a dependable, compassionate adult who is attuned to what they are going through can make a meaningful difference to how they process and move through their experiences.
The information below is designed to offer universal support for families, helping them understand loss and access helpful strategies, guidance, and further support when needed.
UNIVERSAL SUPPORTS
for children and young people
Hope Again is the youth website of Cruse Bereavement Support. It is a safe place where you can learn from other young people, how to cope with grief, and feel less alone
Child Bereavement UK provide a range of support to bereaved young people and have an office in Glasgow. They also have listed a variety of films by young people about their experiences of bereavement and you can look at them here. There is also a helpline number 0800 0288840
Winstons wish have a dedicated webpage for young people experiencing bereavement Help 2 Make Sense | Support for grieving young people with lots of advice and support. They also have a helpline, text and email service.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support for Children & Young People
Everyone needs a little extra support sometimes, and it’s important that children and young people know where they can turn when things feel difficult. Whether they’re dealing with worries, big emotions, changes at home, or just need someone to talk to, there are lots of places that can help.
Here you will find information, ideas and support services designed to help children, young people and their families look after their mental health and wellbeing.
Scan the dinosaur QR code to explore helpful resources, trusted support services, and advice for both young people and parents/carers.
UNIVERSAL SUPPORTS
for parents/carers
Winstons Wish provide a range of advice and support to families experiencing bereavement including talking to your child about death, attending a funeral and coping with anniversaries. They also have specialist advice for deaths by suicide, homicide and serious illness and advice on supporting a child or young person with additional support needs.
Child bereavement UK support for parents/carers
Cruse Bereavement Support
Grief Counter
Links to other supports related to loss and separation
Families Outside: Supporting families affected by imprisonment
Although bereavement is always difficult, most children and young people learn to adjust and live with their loss over time. However, in a traumatic bereavement, the way children and young people experience or understand the death can lead to lasting distress and impact on their everyday life. The UK Trauma Council provide resources to support schools, colleges and practitioners working with traumatically bereaved children and young people.
