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  1. FAQs

For professionals working with bereaved people

These books and resources may be helpful for professionals working with bereaved people. 

For further help in finding resources, email [email protected] or call our Helpline on 0800 02 888 40.

Please note: Inclusion on this list does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by Child Bereavement UK, as we are aware that whether a book is helpful or not is subjective and as such is a decision that can only be made by the individual reader.

Supporting bereaved children

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Children, Grief and Creativity (with Julia Samuel MBE)

A short, animated film Click here to watch on YouTube.

This film offers practical advice on ways to support bereaved children and suggests that creativity can help them process their loss. It is enriched by the wisdom and words of psychotherapist Julia Samuel MBE, Founder Patron of Child Bereavement UK and bestselling author, and the research of Lesel Dawson, an Associate Professor at the University of Bristol. It is animated by Gary Andrews (@GaryScribbler), creator of ‘Doodle-a-Day’ and Finding Joy, a collection of illustrations documenting his life with his two children after his wife, Joy, suddenly died from sepsis. Gary’s children, Lily and Ben, feature in the film. Rachel Hare was the Research Associate on this project and the film was funded by the Brigstow Institute, University of Bristol.

Grief in Children: A Handbook for Adults

Atle Dyregov

This fully updated second edition of “Grief in Children” explains children’s understanding of death at different ages and gives a detailed outline of exactly how the adults around them can best help them cope.

Buy from Amazon

Interventions with Bereaved Children

Smith and Pennells   

A resource with lots of practical ideas. Twenty contributors share effective ways of supporting and helping bereaved children. Chapter 13 is titled, “Helping Families and Professionals to Work with Children who have Learning Difficulties.”

Buy from Amazon

Someone Very Important Has Just Died: Immediate Help for People Caring for Children of All Ages at the Time of a Close Bereavement 

Mary Turner

This short book tackles the sensitive issues of what to tell children, how far to include them in the events immediately after the death, and how to tend to their physical and emotional needs. The material is suitable for anyone regardless of their background and beliefs, and is supplemented with information on where to go to obtain longer term bereavement support.

Buy from Amazon

Supporting Teenagers Through Grief And Loss: Practical Ideas & Creative Approaches

Anna Jacobs

A wealth of advice and helpful suggestions for those helping children through bereavement and loss. This book gives an overview of different behaviours you may encounter in school and how to respond, as well as discussing questions children may ask and how to answer them. Children's understanding of death varies according to stage of development and the author provides guidance on age-appropriate, honest responses along with a toolkit of creative and arts activities to help children examine and understand their emotions, physical feelings and memories.

Buy from Amazon

The Little Book of Bereavement for Schools

Ian Gilbert

A short, personal account of the way various schools tried to support the author’s three children after the death of their mother.  A book for a parent to take into any school which is seeking to support grieving pupils. It opens with a brief 15-point guide which would be a helpful starting point.

Buy from Amazon

Tough Stuff Journal - Someone has died

Pete English

Designed in free form for a bereaved young person to work through on their own or with a trusted adult, this journal asks questions and invites the young person to express feelings and emotions that are otherwise difficult to articulate. Useful for schools, youth leaders, parents or anyone working with a bereaved child or young person from 9 to 13 years old.

Available to buy from AtaLoss.org

You Just Don’t Understand: Supporting bereaved teenagers

Helen Mackinnon

The transition from childhood to adulthood can be a challenging process at the best of times. This booklet aims to help you understand what is normal adolescent development, and to recognise the additional problems teenagers may face if someone important dies during these years.

Buy from Amazon

Published: 8th November, 2022

Updated: 16th November, 2022

Author:

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Supporting bereaved children and young people with SEN

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A Special Kind of Grief

Sarah Helton

Children with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities), especially those in special schools, often experience grief at a much younger age than others, as some of their peers are more likely to have life-limiting medical conditions. This book provides all the resources that educational professionals need to ensure their community is fully prepared to acknowledge and support pupil bereavement and loss.

Buy from Amazon

Autism and Loss

R V Forrester-Jones

“Autism and Loss” is a complete resource that covers a variety of kinds of loss, including bereavement. It includes factsheets and practical ideas which families and professional carers may find useful.

Buy from Amazon

Children, Grief and Creativity (with Julia Samuel MBE)

A short, animated film Click here to watch on YouTube.

This film offers practical advice on ways to support bereaved children and suggests that creativity can help them process their loss. It is enriched by the wisdom and words of psychotherapist Julia Samuel MBE, Founder Patron of Child Bereavement UK and bestselling author, and the research of Lesel Dawson, an Associate Professor at the University of Bristol. It is animated by Gary Andrews (@GaryScribbler), creator of ‘Doodle-a-Day’ and Finding Joy, a collection of illustrations documenting his life with his two children after his wife, Joy, suddenly died from sepsis. Gary’s children, Lily and Ben, feature in the film. Rachel Hare was the Research Associate on this project and the film was funded by the Brigstow Institute, University of Bristol.

Finding Your Own Way to Grieve

Karla Helbert 

A creative activity workbook for grieving children and teens on the Autistic Spectrum. The clear concise language will help adults communicate with children around the abstract concepts of death and grief.

Buy from Amazon

Grief in Children: A Handbook for Adults

Atle Dyregov

This fully updated second edition of “Grief in Children” explains children’s understanding of death at different ages and gives a detailed outline of exactly how the adults around them can best help them cope.

Buy from Amazon

Let's Talk About Death

Down’s Syndrome Scotland

A booklet about death and funerals for young people and adults who have a learning disability. Includes some simple text on why people die, what happens at funerals and possible grief reactions. Photographs support the text.

Download from Down's Syndrome Scotland

Remembering Lucy: A Story about Loss and Grief in School

Sarah Helton

This touching short story will help children with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) aged 3+ understand feelings caused by death and loss, and the illustrations help convey the complex experience of bereavement in a simple and clear way. Included is a teacher’s guide to talking about bereavement, grief and loss, making this the ideal aid for teachers and support staff at SEND schools and colleges.

Buy from Amazon

Suzie Goes to a Funeral

Charlotte Olson

Join Suzie as she goes to Grandma’s funeral and says goodbye. Suzie can help explain to a child who may be anxious about going to a funeral for the first time. A simple story to help and show what they might experience on this day.

Buy from Suzie Books

When Dad Died

Hollins and Sireling

This book take an honest and straightforward approach to death and grief in the family. The pictures tell the death of a parent in a simple but moving way. The approach is non-denominational. Suitable for young people and adults with a learning disability.

Buy from Books Beyond Words

When Mum Died

Hollins and Sireling

This book takes an honest and straightforward approach to death and grief in the family. The pictures tell the death of a parent in a simple but moving way. “When Mum Died” shows a burial. The approach is non-denominational. Suitable for young people and adults with a learning disability.

Buy from Books Beyond Words

When Mum Died

Hollins and Sireling

This book takes an honest and straightforward approach to death and grief in the family. The pictures tell the death of a parent in a simple but moving way. “When Mum Died” shows a burial. The approach is non-denominational. Suitable for young people and adults with a learning disability.

Buy from Books Beyond Words

Published: 7th November, 2022

Updated: 10th November, 2022

Author:

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Supporting children bereaved by sudden death - including accidents, suicide and homicide

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A Grief Like No Other: Surviving the Violent Death of Someone you Love

Kathleen O’Hara 

Violent death brings to survivors a different kind of grief. From intense feelings of guilt, anger and post-traumatic stress, to years spent dealing with the legal ramifications, those left behind in the wake of violence have to contend with unique circumstances that are different from a “natural” death.

Buy from Amazon

A Special Scar: The experiences of people bereaved by suicide

Alison Wertheimer

Written and researched by a bereaved sibling, this book covers the losses of siblings, parents, children and friends.

Buy from Amazon

After a Murder: A Workbook for Grieving Kids

Dougy Centre

Through the stories, thoughts and feelings of other kids who have experienced a murder, this hands-on workbook allows children to see that they are not alone in their feelings and experiences. The workbook includes drawing activities, puzzles and word games to help explain confusing elements specific to a murder, such as the police, media and legal system.

Buy from Amazon

Beyond the Rough Rock: Supporting a Child Who Has Been Bereaved Through Suicide

Di Stubbs and Julie Stokes

This booklet offers practical advice for families in the immediate days and weeks when suicide has been the cause of death. It aims to give parents and professionals the confidence to involve children in discussions about the nature of a death by suicide.

Buy from Amazon

Help is at hand: A resource for people bereaved by suicide

Department of Health 

This free guide is for people who are affected by suicide or other sudden, traumatic death. It aims firstly to help people who are unexpectedly bereaved in this way. It also provides information for healthcare and other professionals who come into contact with bereaved people, to assist them in providing help and to suggest how they themselves may find support if they need it.

Download from the Department of Health

Hope Beyond the Headlines: Supporting a Child Bereaved through Murder or Manslaughter

Di Stubbs and Kate Gardner

This new book offers practical advice for families in the immediate days, weeks and months following a murder. It is written for both parents and professionals, giving them confidence to involve children and young people in understanding and managing the particular difficulties and complexities that so often surround a death by murder or manslaughter.

Buy from Amazon

 

Red Chocolate Elephants: For children bereaved by suicide - Book & DVD 

Diana C.Sands  

Provides adults with the understanding and assistance to support primary school aged children experiencing the death of a family member to suicide. It is not intended for children to read on their own, but as an assisted reading activity with an adult, reading a few pages and taking the time to explore concerns. Provides a sensitive and appropriate means of engaging with children around the difficult question of death through suicide.

Buy from Child Bereavement UK

Published: 6th November, 2022

Updated: 16th November, 2022

Author:

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Child Bereavement UK Death of a baby Death of a parent Explaining death to children films Information Sheet 2020 Milton Keynes parenting a bereaved child Pregnancy following stillbirth returning to school Same Sex Couple short film short guidance films Stillbirth Young People's Advisory Group YPAG
Short guidance films

Short guidance films

Our short films are delivered by support practitioners and cover a range of topics on grief and bereavement, providing guidance on what can help. Read more

Published: 25th March, 2019

Updated: 1st December, 2021

Author: Robin Ngai

Books and resources

Books and resources

A list of books and resources relating to grief and bereavement and what may help. Read more

Published: 21st October, 2021

Updated: 30th November, 2021

Author: Harriet Hieatt-Smith

Others' experiences

Others' experiences

Some bereaved families find it helpful to read about other peoples’ experiences and how the support they have received has helped them. Read more

Published: 30th November, 2021

Updated: 1st December, 2021

Author: Emma Van Allan

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