London Marathon Volunteer 21 April | London | 4 to 5 hours Expand We are looking for warm, friendly (and noisy!) volunteers with the ability to energise our cheer point and motivate our London Marathon runners, whilst soaking up the amazing atmosphere of the event. We also need a small number of volunteers to help with our post-race celebration. You will either be meeting our runners at the charity meet point to guide them to our location in St James’ Park or helping to run our post-race celebration area by welcoming family and friends of runners, and offering refreshments. We are seeking volunteers who are adaptable and happy to follow instruction. Cheer point volunteersThe Highway, A1203, Tower Hamlets, E1W 2BF between miles 13 and 14.Volunteers will be needed from 10.30am to approximately 3.30pm Post-race volunteers St James’ Park, London SW1A 2BJ.Volunteers will be needed from 12.30pm to approximately 5.30pm Both roles will be outdoors. Support given Staff support and briefing on the day. Everything you need to cheer on our participants. A Child Bereavement UK volunteer t-shirt to wear during your shift. Light refreshments will be available. What you’ll get out of the experience Meet new people and make a huge difference to our runners by supporting them to reach the finish line. Enjoy the friendly and exciting atmosphere and get a great view of the race. Cheering on Child Bereavement UK fundraisers who are taking on a challenge to raise vital funds, helping us to support bereaved children, parents and families to rebuild their lives, when a child grieves or when a child dies. Your teamYou will be working alongside members of the fundraising team, other volunteers, our marathon runners and the public. Apply to volunteer Equality and diversityThe Charity is committed to creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere for everyone, and one that challenges all forms of oppression or discrimination including those based on age, gender or gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity leave, disability, race (which includes nationality, citizenship, ethnic or national origins), religion/faith or belief, sexual orientation (collectively known in law as the ‘protected characteristics’), as well as any oppression or discrimination based on other physical characteristics or impairments, occupation, income, wealth, or unrelated criminal convictions. We encourage diversity and equality in all our volunteer roles. If you have a disability or additional need and would like to discuss this with us prior to signing up, please email: [email protected] to see how we can support you. SafeguardingSafeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. By volunteering with us you are agreeing to support a safe environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We ask you to be vigilant when you volunteer with us and report any concerns directly to members of Child Bereavement UK staff. You will be briefed on the safeguards in place for your specific role during the volunteer briefing. For more information or to read our safeguarding policy, please email: [email protected]. Terms and conditionsThe description outlines some of the duties and activities you may undertake in this role. Occasionally, you may be asked take on other duties if needed and your volunteer manager will discuss this with you.
Quiz Night at the Museum Volunteer 15 May | London | 6 hours Expand Volunteer at our Quiz Night at the Museum with celebrity hosts Jason Watkins and Rob Delaney! Located in the magnificent Earth Hall, guests will enjoy a drinks reception, luxury three course dinner, fully interactive quiz, and exclusive private access to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition. Volunteer's will be asked to help set up the event with guest tables and hospitality rooms, to welcome, check in and usher guests, support guests to navigate the event website on their mobile phones and the quiz on the event iPads, help to collect donations and to help clean and tidy at the end of the evening. DepartmentFundraising TermsVolunteers will need to attend from 6pm to 11pm. Based Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD Support givenYou will receive a basic briefing prior to the event and you’ll receive a full briefing from the team on your arrival at the event. You will be supported throughout if you have any questions or problems. What you’ll get out of the experience The opportunity to enjoy an exclusive evening at the Natural History Museum when it's closed to the public and to see the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. Meet new people, be part of a team and support Child Bereavement UK to raise vital funds to support our work with bereaved children, young people, parents, and families. Hands-on basic event experience. This is a fantastic opportunity to volunteer at a truly enjoyable evening so don’t miss out. Key working relationshipsYou will be working alongside our special events team, fundraising team, Child Bereavement UK supporters and other volunteers. Apply on our portal Equality and diversityThe Charity is committed to creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere for everyone, and one that challenges all forms of oppression or discrimination including those based on age, gender or gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity leave, disability, race (which includes nationality, citizenship, ethnic or national origins), religion/faith or belief, sexual orientation (collectively known in law as the ‘protected characteristics’), as well as any oppression or discrimination based on other physical characteristics or impairments, occupation, income, wealth, or unrelated criminal convictions. We encourage diversity and equality in all our volunteer roles. If you have a disability or additional need and would like to discuss this with us prior to signing up, please email: [email protected] to see how we can support you. SafeguardingSafeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. By volunteering with us you are agreeing to support a safe environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We ask you to be vigilant when you volunteer with us and report any concerns directly to members of Child Bereavement UK staff. You will be briefed on the safeguards in place for your specific role during the volunteer briefing. For more information or to read our safeguarding policy, please email: [email protected]. Terms and conditionsThe description outlines some of the duties and activities you may undertake in this role. Occasionally, you may be asked take on other duties if needed and your volunteer manager will discuss this with you.
Bereavement Support Practitioner and Project Coordinator | Maternity Cover | Part-time | Cheshire Are you ready to bring your expertise, skills and experience to a highly respected, growing UK charity? Expand This is a split post working primarily as a Bereavement Support Practitioner within the Bereavement Services Support Team with the additional responsibility of coordinating projects such as the funded Halton Project as part of the North Service. The post holder will provide bereavement support to individuals, couples, families and in group settings, supporting and assisting the Bereavement Services Regional Lead in the provision and evaluation of a service that ensures families and professionals can access high quality bereavement support in situations where a baby or child of any age has died, or where children or young people up to the age of 25 are bereaved. Applicants should have a recognised, health, social care, or counselling qualification, experience in working with children, young people and families, excellent communication skills and be passionate about supporting bereaved families and those whose roles bring them into contact with these families. The successful candidate will be required to complete a DBS check. Child Bereavement UK offers a generous package of benefits including an employee assistance programme, 5% pension contribution and life assurance scheme. Role: Bereavement Support Practitioner and Project Coordinator Hours: 30 hours per week Rate: £31,500 pro rata per annum (12 month fixed-term contract) Reporting to: Bereavement Services Regional Lead (North) Base: Hybrid working from Child Bereavement UK’s Centre in Widnes and home Closing Date: 5 April 2024 If you are interested in knowing more please see the job description and person specification or contact [email protected] Applications should be by CV accompanied with a short covering letter, detailing which post you are interested in applying for and how your experience fits the role. Please email to Jane Hobart [email protected] Applications will be reviewed, and interviews offered, on an on-going basis. We reserve the right to close the role prior to the closing date, should a suitable applicant be found, so please submit your application as soon as possible. The Charity is committed to creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere for everyone, and one that challenges all forms of oppression or discrimination including those based on age, gender or gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity leave, disability, race (which includes nationality, citizenship, ethnic or national origins), religion/faith or belief, sexual orientation (collectively known in law as the ‘protected characteristics’), as well as any oppression or discrimination based on other physical characteristics or impairments, occupation, income, wealth, or unrelated criminal convictions. Data Protection Statement for Recruitment
When someone dies in an accident Expand I will never forget the phone call from my father. He told me Ollie had had an accident and that I needed to meet them at the hospital A&E. Alongside the feelings of grief and shock that come with any sudden death, an accidental death may leave you with a sense of wanting to change the course of events. You may feel intense anger at the senselessness of the accident or with someone or something specific, or with yourself. You may be overwhelmed with thoughts such as 'Why?', 'If only...' or 'Why didn’t I?'. If you were not present, some information about the accident may come from the professionals involved such as emergency services, or from an investigation, which may help answer some of your questions about why the accident happened. It may be far harder to face the 'if only' questions because they are part of a search for meaning where nothing makes sense and there may be no answer. Supporting a child after someone dies in an accident Sometimes, other children and young people may witness, be involved or be at the scene of an accident or may be exposed to an event that is distressing or frightening. Even if they are not directly involved in the incident themselves, they may be frightened and disturbed in a number of ways. Read our resource for more on supporting a child after a frightening event. It can help to reassure a child that feeling scared, anxious or upset for a while is OK and normal, but that they are safe and their routines will continue. Encouraging them to talk about the event or express their feelings through drawings can help them to make sense of it. Young children may re-enact the event through play, for example smashing toy cars together after they have learned about a car accident. Even though this can be distressing for you, it is a normal way for children to process information about what has happened. How a child responds will depend on their age and understanding of death and dying. What happens if a coroner needs to be involved? If a coroner is involved, or there is a need for a post-mortem examination, this may affect the options of seeing the body of the person who has died, or it can delay arrangements for a funeral. This can make it very hard to believe what has happened or to start to grieve. There may also be media attention, which can be particularly distressing and intrusive to the family. Things that may help include knowing how to contact the professionals involved who can keep you informed, such as a Coroner’s Officer or Family Liaison Officer; having a friend or contact who may be able to help you keep in touch with agencies or liaise on your behalf; and being able to talk to someone – family and friends, or someone neutral such as a bereavement support professional on our Helpline. For more on what happens in a Coroners’ Court, The Ministry of Justice has produced a guide to coroner services for bereaved people. The Coroners' Court Support Service is an independent voluntary organisation whose trained volunteers offer emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending an Inquest at a Coroner’s Court. Visit our page: How we can support you for more on our services. You can also call our Helpline 0800 02 888 40, email [email protected], or use Live Chat on our website.
When someone dies by suicide Expand When someone may have died by suicide the grieving process can often be more complex, intense and longer, although the actual experiences of grief may be similar to other bereavements. Death by suicide is particularly shocking because it goes against our natural survival instinct that we should live and thrive. The suddenness and nature of the death can be deeply upsetting or harrowing and hard to make sense of. Some people feel a social taboo in discussing suicide, which can make it an even more difficult topic to talk about openly. When a child dies by suicide Death can be particularly difficult to understand or make sense of when it is sudden or unexpected. When your child dies by suicide is likely to be extremely difficult to face and to understand. There can be specific challenges for the whole family, and for children and young people when grieving after a suicide. Supporting a child after someone dies by suicide Supporting your child when someone has died by suicide can be difficult when you are in shock and grieving yourself and it can be very difficult to talk about what has happened. Adults often want to protect children from the truth and may worry about explaining suicide, as they do not want children to realise someone can choose to end their own life. However, children are much more able to deal with difficult events if they are given open and honest, age-appropriate information, time for questions and space to express their feelings. See our resource for more on telling a child that someone has died. For a young person, the death of a friend by suicide can be a huge shock and a devastating experience. The traumatic nature of the death, often coupled with a lack of information to explain why your friend ended their own life, can make grieving complicated and confusing. What happens if a coroner needs to be involved? If a coroner is involved, or there is a need for a post-mortem examination, this may affect the options of seeing the body of the person who has died, or it can delay arrangements for a funeral. This can make it very hard to believe what has happened or to start to grieve. There may also be media attention, which can be particularly distressing and intrusive to the family. Things that may help include knowing how to contact the professionals involved who can keep you informed, such as a Coroner’s Officer or Family Liaison Officer; having a friend or contact who may be able to help you keep in touch with agencies or liaise on your behalf; and being able to talk to someone – family and friends, or someone neutral such as a bereavement support professional on our Helpline. For more on what happens in a Coroners’ Court, The Ministry of Justice has produced a guide to coroner services for bereaved people. The Coroners' Court Support Service is an independent voluntary organisation whose trained volunteers offer emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending an Inquest at a Coroner’s Court. Visit our page: How we can support you for more on our services. You can also call our Helpline 0800 02 888 40, email [email protected], or use Live Chat on our website.
When someone dies by homicide Expand When someone dies by homicide (murder or manslaughter), challenges can be immense. They may include unwanted media attention, additional pain if the person responsible is known or is not convicted, and the fact that your world can now seem a very unsafe place. Supporting a child when someone dies by homicide When someone dies by homicide, the emotional impact of the sudden, violent loss is enormous for all family members and it can be extremely difficult for siblings and others close to the person. Children need support to help them deal with the truth, even though the truth is difficult or shocking. While it may seem kinder to withhold information, it is likely that a child will overhear a conversation, see something in the media or on social media, or be told by someone at school. It is much better that they are told in a safe place, by someone they are close to and who can support them on an ongoing basis. See our resources for further guidance on telling a child that someone has died and on supporting a child after a frightening event. When your child dies by homicide The death of a child of any age is devastating and when a child dies by homicide, your grief may be further complicated by the uncertainty, fear and the lack of control that can come with a death by murder or manslaughter. It may not be possible to view your child’s body and a funeral and other opportunities to remember your child's life may be delayed by the need for a police investigation or the involvement of the coroner. Ways to help you cope can include finding other ways in which to remember your child and ensuring you look after yourself at this very difficult time. Friends and family are often a great support but, if you need to speak to someone outside the family, you may find it helpful to speak to a professional who can support you in a way that feels right for you, including from our support services. What happens if a coroner needs to be involved? If a coroner is involved, or there is a need for a post-mortem examination, this may affect the options of seeing the body of the person who has died, or it can delay arrangements for a funeral. This can make it very hard to believe what has happened or to start to grieve. There may also be media attention, especially when the death was violent, which can be particularly distressing and intrusive to the family. Things that may help include knowing how to contact the professionals involved who can keep you informed, such as a Coroner’s Officer or Family Liaison Officer; having a friend or contact who may be able to help you keep in touch with agencies or liaise on your behalf; and being able to talk to someone – family and friends, or someone neutral such as a bereavement support professional on our Helpline. For more on what happens in a Coroners’ Court, The Ministry of Justice has produced a guide to coroner services for bereaved people. The Coroners' Court Support Service is an independent voluntary organisation whose trained volunteers offer emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending an Inquest at a Coroner’s Court. Visit our page: How we can support you for more on our services. You can also call our Helpline 0800 02 888 40, email [email protected], or use Live Chat on our website.
Special Events Volunteer Flexible location | 1-2 days per week Expand We are looking for someone with a positive, friendly and approachable personality who has experience of, or a keen interest in, special events fundraising and an empathy with the charity’s work. The team organises and delivers a range of events throughout the year from Ladies' lunches and gala dinners through to our annual Christmas concerts. Our events this year include the Royal Household Cricket Festival at Windsor Castle, a quiz night at the Natural History Museum, and a sporting challenge at E.J.Churchill. These events not only raise vital funds but also raise awareness of our work. Core tasks, with support from the Special Events Fundraiser, will include: using social media platforms to market events to specific groups of people, contributing to and researching event venues and ideas, inputting event and participant data into our CRM database, and researching and sending asks to local companies for auction prizes. This is a great opportunity to develop your skills in fundraising within a supportive, exciting, and friendly team. DepartmentFundraising TermsThe hours are flexible, ideally we are looking for volunteer support on one or two full days per week. BasedThis role can be home or office based. Volunteer skillsThe Special Events Volunteer needs to be confident in using social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram as well as a working knowledge of Word, Excel and email. Able to follow instruction, you will also have research skills and the ability to find up-to-date and relevant information on the internet and via social media platforms. What you’ll get out of the experienceThrough this volunteering role, you will be helping to raise vital fundraising income to help us to continue helping bereaved families to rebuild their lives whilst gaining knowledge and experience in special events fundraising including using Raisers Edge, a database system which is commonly used by non-profit organisations. You will have the opportunity to attend and volunteer at our special events should you have an interest, gaining hands-on experience of special events and will gain priority access to other volunteering positions across the charity. Your teamYou will be working closely with the special events and philanthropy team and the wider fundraising team. Apply on our portal Equality and diversityThe Charity is committed to creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere for everyone, and one that challenges all forms of oppression or discrimination including those based on age, gender or gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity leave, disability, race (which includes nationality, citizenship, ethnic or national origins), religion/faith or belief, sexual orientation (collectively known in law as the ‘protected characteristics’), as well as any oppression or discrimination based on other physical characteristics or impairments, occupation, income, wealth, or unrelated criminal convictions. We encourage diversity and equality in all our volunteer roles. If you have a disability or additional need and would like to discuss this with us prior to signing up, please email: [email protected] to see how we can support you. SafeguardingSafeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. By volunteering with us you are agreeing to support a safe environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We ask you to be vigilant when you volunteer with us and report any concerns directly to members of Child Bereavement UK staff. You will be briefed on the safeguards in place for your specific role during the volunteer briefing. For more information or to read our safeguarding policy, please email: [email protected]. Terms and conditionsThe description outlines some of the duties and activities you may undertake in this role. Occasionally, you may be asked take on other duties if needed and your volunteer manager will discuss this with you.
Helpline Practitioner | Part-Time | Hybrid/Bucks Are you passionate about supporting bereaved children, young people and families, and the professionals who work with them? Expand Would you like to bring your expertise, skills and experience to the third sector and contribute to a growing national charity? Are you passionate about supporting bereaved children, young people and families, and the professionals who work with them? We are looking to recruit a talented and highly motivated Helpline Practitioner to provide timely and appropriate support and information to families and professionals who contact Child Bereavement UK, this is through a variety of channels, mainly phone, email and live chat. Child Bereavement UK offers a generous package of benefits including an employee assistance programme, 5% pension contribution and life assurance scheme. The successful candidate will be required to complete a DBS check. Role: Helpline Practitioner Hours: This a part-time role of 2 days per week (15 hours). 7.5 hours will need to be on a Thursday, 7.5 hours will be flexible. Rate: £28,000 per annum, pro-rata Reporting to: Head of Helpline Services Location: Hybrid: Home working and Child Bereavement UK's office in Buckinghamshire (currently 1 day per quarter) Closing Date: 15 April 2024 Interviews: Monday 22 April 2024 via Zoom or Teams. If you are interested in knowing more please see the job description and person specification or contact [email protected] Applications should be by CV accompanied with a short covering letter, detailing which post you are interested in applying for and how your experience fits the role. Please email Jane Hobart on [email protected] Applications will be reviewed, and interviews offered, on an on-going basis. We reserve the right to close the role prior to the closing date, should a suitable applicant be found, so please submit your application as soon as possible. The Charity is committed to creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere for everyone, and one that challenges all forms of oppression or discrimination including those based on age, gender or gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity leave, disability, race (which includes nationality, citizenship, ethnic or national origins), religion/faith or belief, sexual orientation (collectively known in law as the ‘protected characteristics’), as well as any oppression or discrimination based on other physical characteristics or impairments, occupation, income, wealth, or unrelated criminal convictions. Data Protection Statement for Recruitment
Accessibility Expand Child Bereavement UK is committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of ability or technology. This is an ongoing process and are constantly seeking to improve in this area. The site has been designed to adhere to best practice by following W3C standards. We aim to be ‘AA compliant’ according to WCAG guidelines and we are working towards complying with AAA standards where possible. Layout Child Bereavement UK’s website uses Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to control all presentation and layout so that content is well structured and easily accessible via assistive devices. Font size Text size can be increased or decreased by using the zoom controls in your browser. Find the instructions for your browser below: Apple Safari Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Website content Content across the site has been written and formatted to make it as accessible as possible: We aim to use clear and easy to understand language wherever the subject permits Semantic headings are descriptive and used to highlight sections of text Links are accompanied with meaningful text No information or navigation is conveyed through the use of colour alone Images We in the process of adding descriptive alternative text to to all images used for non-aesthetic reasons. PDF downloads There are a number of PDF documents available to view online or download across the our website. You can find out more about how to configure the free Adobe Reader software to obtain greater access to PDF files by visiting the Adobe site. More information The BBC's My Web My Way website includes help for those who may benefit from making changes to computer, browser or operating system to be able to view any website in a more accessible way. Your feedback Child Bereavement UK welcomes any comments, suggestions or feedback. If you are using adaptive technology and are having problems accessing bereavement support information on our website, please contact us with details of the problem you encountered and the technology you are using and we will do our best to help you and provide the information you need in whichever format best suits your needs.
Charter for Bereavement Support Services Expand Our charter This Charter provides our statement of how Child Bereavement UK aims to support bereaved individuals, couples and families who come to us for support. The support we provide will uphold our vision for all families to have the support they need to rebuild their lives, when a child grieves or when a child dies. The support we offer will be provided in line with our values: Integrity: We place the needs of bereaved families at the heart of everything we do. Our work is based on listening to and learning from the lived experience of the families and professionals with whom we work. We respect everyone’s experience. Confidentiality, discretion and consent are of the utmost importance in our work. Inclusiveness: We are inclusive of, and respectful to, all our stakeholders, including beneficiaries, supporters, volunteers, and colleagues, in our attitudes, behaviours and activities. We aim to use accessible language and to be open and unbiased. We welcome and respect everyone and advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion across all areas of our work. Quality: We strive for the highest standards of excellence and professionalism in all aspects of our work. We continually assess, review and improve our systems, processes and impact. Collaboration: We are committed to a culture of teamwork and collaboration, working in partnership with other organisations to improve child bereavement support. Our Bereavement Support Service aims to: Respond to your initial contact with us within the quickest timeframe possible. Offer you an initial appointment within 6 weeks from referral. Allocate a dedicated bereavement support practitioner for the duration of your support, where possible. Ensure that the support you receive will be confidential (unless we are concerned for your safety or that of another). Offer comprehensive support by liaising, with your permission, with other agencies where appropriate, such as schools, GPs etc. Signpost you to the services of other organisations if we feel they might be able to support part of your bereavement journey. Offer up to 8 sessions over a maximum period of 13 months, tailored to individual need. Positively support inclusion of and engagement with families and individuals of any gender or gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, disability, race, religion, faith, belief or sexual orientation. Ensure accessibility for all by offering interpreters for referrals or bereavement support sessions where needed. Seek your feedback in order to evaluate and continually improve the quality and impact of the service we provide.
Complaints Policy Expand Child Bereavement UK is committed to providing high quality, professional standards to all those who use our services and to people who support us in any way. We recognise the importance of continuous improvement and view any complaint received as an opportunity to improve our practices and services. Child Bereavement UK commits to ensuring that: People who use our services, those who support us, and the wider public know how to make a complaint and can do so easily Those making a complaint know that it will be dealt with sensitively, honestly and fairly Complaints are dealt with in a timely and efficient manner All Child Bereavement UK staff are aware of the complaints policy and procedures and feel confident in these Complaints are reviewed on a regular basis to inform service and process improvements What is a complaint? A complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction or concern about the standard of service, actions or lack of action taken by the charity as a whole, by its members of staff, or by its volunteers, which affects an individual or group(s) of people with whom the charity is involved. How do I make a complaint? Any individual or group can make a complaint, or a complaint can be made on behalf of someone else. In cases where a complaint has been made on behalf of someone else, we will be mindful of data protection issues when responding. Complaints can be made: In person to any Child Bereavement UK staff member By email: [email protected] By telephone to our Head Office: 01494 568900 By letter to Sue Randall, Executive Manager, Child Bereavement UK, Unit B Knaves Beech Way, Knaves Beech Industrial Estate, Loudwater, High Wycombe, Bucks HP10 9QY Complaints regarding fundraising can be made: By email: [email protected] By telephone: 01494 568900 Any individual who posts negative feedback on any Child Bereavement UK social media channel will be invited to discuss their concerns further with a relevant staff member and/or to make a formal complaint via the channels listed above. What will be done with my complaint? All complaints will be acknowledged within five working days of receipt. We will appoint a member of the Child Bereavement UK Senior Management Team to investigate the complaint. We will inform you of the name of the person who will be investigating your complaint. We may need to ask you for any further information that will help us with our investigation; this could include asking for input from the person you are complaining on behalf of, in such cases. We aim to resolve most complaints within fifteen working days of receipt. Some more complex issues may require investigation that might mean this is not possible; in these circumstances, we will keep you informed of progress. We will respond to you, or the person the complaint was made on behalf of, to communicate the findings and outcome of the investigation. Any complaint which involves a potential fraud, safeguarding or whistleblowing issue will be progressed in line with our internal policies. What can I do if I’m not happy with the response I get? If you are not satisfied with the final response you have received from us, you can contact the Charity Commission (England & Wales) or the Scottish Charity Regulator; If in relation to a fundraising matter, you can contact the Fundraising Regulator. How does Child Bereavement UK use complaints to improve standards? Our first priority is to satisfactorily resolve the complaint for the person who has made the complaint. In addition, every complaint is reviewed thoroughly, so that learning points can be identified, and actions put in place, where required, to improve our services or processes. Any complaints received are collated in a confidential, anonymous register which is reviewed by our Senior Management Team and reported to our Board of Trustees on a regular basis. Our complaint management for fundraising issues is linked to the requirements set by the Fundraising Regulator, and ensures that we are accountable to our supporters and beneficiaries. In order to ensure that we are responding to complaints properly and in the most constructive way possible, we review this policy annually.
Baháʼí Expand Beliefs about death and dying, and life after death A Baháʼí believer dies secure in the knowledge that the spiritual qualities they’ve acquired in their earthly life will accompany them into the next world – a spiritual eternity where much remains to be achieved, although not through association with a physical body which will be left behind and buried. Death in Baháʼí belief is “a messenger of joy” and not to be feared. Treatment of the body of the person who has died The body is treated with dignity and nothing done that will hurry its decomposition. Baháʼís are interred in a durable coffin within the earth and burial takes place within a few days of death. The grave is positioned with feet pointing toward the Qihlih, or most holy Shrine in Akká, where the prophet of the faith, Baháʼu'lláh, is buried. Rituals and customs around death and dying Bahá’u’lláh revealed a number of prayers for burial to choose from and only one of them is specified as essential to the ceremony. The Baháʼí service for the dead is as much for family and friends as for the deceased, giving them an opportunity to usher a newly-released soul from the confines and troubles of the physical world into the limitless and loving realms of spiritual existence. Support organisations UK Baháʼí Our grateful thanks for their input into this resource to: Padideh Sabeti, Director, Office of Public Affairs of the UK Bahá’í Community Visit our page: How we can support you for more on our services. You can also call our Helpline 0800 02 888 40, email [email protected], or use Live Chat on our website.
Cookie Policy Expand What are cookies? Cookies are text files placed on your computer’s browser or hard drive by websites you visit. There are different types of cookie; some are essential for websites to operate properly, while others are used by websites to track visitors or are aimed at enhancing your user experience. How we use cookies Cookies are text files placed on your computer’s browser or hard drive by websites you visit. There are different types of cookie; some are essential for websites to operate properly, while others are used by websites to track visitors or are aimed at enhancing your user experience. What types of cookies do we use? Strictly Necessary Cookies These cookies are essential to enable you to move around the website and use its features, such as making donations or buying merchandise. Without these cookies, we cannot provide some of the basic functionalities of our website. Performance Cookies These cookies collect information about how visitors use our websites, for instance which pages visitors go to most often, and the pages that they don’t. This helps us to understand and improve the site so it is easy to use and includes helpful content. These cookies don’t collect information that identifies visitors, so we can’t identify you individually. Functionality Cookies These cookies allow our website to remember the choices you make as you browse the site. For instance, your login details. They provide more enhanced and personal features. The information collected is anonymised and they cannot track your browsing activity on other sites once you leave our site. Third Party Cookies We use third-party cookies to check how well our Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn paid campaigns are doing and improve their relevance to you. They allow us to reach you on these platforms if you have visited our site before and then track important behaviours that are valuable to us such as whether you fill in a contact form. Here are some links that explain interest-based advertising and how to opt-out: Information on Facebook’s interest-based advertising Information on Twitter’s interest-based advertising Information on LinkedIn’s interest-based advertising We also use cookies for our Google Ads Grant. These allow us to show ads that are more relevant to you. We base this on what you are searching for on Google, and web pages that appeared to interest you most when you visited our site in the past. Google Ads preferences How to turn off cookies You can turn cookies off at any time, by going into your browser settings, however this may have a detrimental effect on your user experience. If you are happy to continue letting us use cookies in the ways set out in this Policy, to help us guide our work, then you need not do anything. If you have any concerns about the cookies we use, please contact: [email protected] Links to other sites The Child Bereavement UK website contains links to other websites. We are not responsible for the content of these websites and if you follow links to other sites any personal information you may subsequently provide, will be subject to the privacy policies of those sites.
Buddhism Expand Beliefs about death and dying, and life after death Buddhists believe that nothing that exists is permanent and everything will ultimately cease to be. There is a belief in rebirth but not of a soul passing from one body to another. The rebirth is more a state of constantly changing being rather than a clear-cut reincarnation. The ultimate objective is to achieve a state of perfect peace and freedom. Buddhists try to approach death with great calmness, and an open-minded attitude of acceptance. Care of someone who is dying Rebirth is a significant belief in Buddhism. The state of mind of a person at the moment of death is considered important in determining rebirth. Buddhists generally like to have full information about their imminent death to enable them to make preparation, although this may vary. In order to maintain awareness and clarity, some Buddhists may wish to minimise the amount of sedatives or pain killing drugs administered at this time. A key consideration is to provide a calm, peaceful environment in the period leading up to a person dying. It is equally important to maintain this calm and peaceful environment in the hours (and days, if possible) after the person has “died”. Peace and quiet for meditation and visits from other Buddhists will be appreciated. Some form of chanting may be used to influence that state of mind at death so that it may be peaceful. End of life rituals Ideally, the person’s end of life and funeral ritual preferences should be discussed while they are still alive, for example the type of ceremony they’d like, burial, cremation or otherwise, and if they are affiliated with a particular Tradition, with specific practices around the dying process. If other Buddhists are not in attendance at the time of dying, then a Buddhist leader, or Community (“Sangha”), should be informed of the death as soon as possible. The invitation is to establish which, if any, Community/Tradition the person is connected to/associates with, before death. Where there is a need for a postmortem, there is unlikely to be any objection. However, there may be a wish that the process is compatible with maintaining a respectful and calm environment around the deceased. Rituals and customs around death and dying There are few formal traditions relating to funerals and they tend to be seen as non-religious events. For some Buddhists, cremation is considered an acceptable practice, and the service may be quite simple. It might be conducted by a senior member of that Community (“Sangha”). Support organisations Network of Buddhist Organisations The Buddhist Society Lasting Post - Etiquette for a Buddhist funeral Our grateful thanks for their input into this resource to: Amitaśūrī Yule, Chaplain/Spirituality and Wellbeing Practitioner, Stobhill and Gartnavel Royal Hospitals Visit our page: How we can support you for more on our services. You can also call our Helpline 0800 02 888 40, email [email protected], or use Live Chat on our website.
Fundraising Promise Expand Child Bereavement UK is registered with the Fundraising Regulator, the independent regulator of charitable fundraising. Being registered to the Fundraising Regulator means we are committed to its Fundraising Promise which outlines our commitment to our donors and the public. We will adhere to the Fundraising Code of Practice. We will respect your rights and privacy. We will monitor fundraisers, volunteers and third parties working with us to raise funds, to ensure that they comply with the Code of Fundraising Practice and with this Promise. We will comply with the law as it applies to charities and fundraising. We promise to always put our beneficiaries and clients first and to spend money in the way that is best for them. We will keep your personal information safe. We promise not to sell or share your personal details with other charities. We never have. Your personal and financial information is held securely and in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. We promise to keep you informed about what is being achieved with your money. We will give a clear explanation of how you can make a gift and change a regular donation. If you are unhappy with anything we have done whilst fundraising, you can contact us to make a complaint. We will listen to feedback and respond appropriately to compliments and criticism we receive. Where the law requires, we will get your consent before we contact you to fundraise. If you tell us that you don’t want us to contact you in a particular way, we will not do so. We will work with the Telephone, Mail and Fundraising Preference Services to ensure that those who choose not to receive specific types of communication don’t have to. Feedback from our supporters is important. If you have a suggestion to make or even a compliment to share, we will welcome it. If you are unhappy about something, please tell us so we can make it right. Should you wish to get in touch or make a complaint please email [email protected] or Tel: 01494 568 949. If we cannot resolve your complaint, we accept the authority of the independent Fundraising Regulator to make a final adjudication. To find out more, please visit the Fundraising Regulator website. We promise to always listen to you.
Caribbean communities Expand Treatment of the body of the person who has died In some Caribbean families, it is usual for the person who has died to be dressed in their best clothes and sometimes to have their hair done specially by a hairdresser. An open casket will usually be at the church so that family and friends can see them. Home viewing is less common these days. Rituals and customs around death and dying Some Caribbean people observe Nine Night, a pre-wake event which takes place on the ninth night after someone dies. It is an opportunity for family and friends to celebrate the life of the person who has died. Nine Night is not necessarily a faith-based event. Food specific to the family’s culture is prepared; hymns or songs are often sung, music the person enjoyed will be played and there may be dancing, which may be filmed in order to make memories. This music may often also be played at the event after the funeral which is known as the repast. To accommodate Nine Night and to allow family and friends to attend from different areas and parts of the world, some Caribbean funerals take place three to four weeks after the death. Funerals and other ceremonies Caribbean funerals are usually Christian and often include hymns, eulogies and sometimes slide shows and films. Some people like to drape flags over the casket, or have small hand-held flags. These may be the flag of the country in which they were born or where their family lived before coming to the UK. At the majority of burials, mourners bring shovels in the boot of their car in order to shovel earth onto the casket/coffin. Relatives and friends (usually the men) flatten the ground with the back of the shovel and their feet, making sure the earth securely covers the coffin. Often, a hat or cap is passed around for a monetary collection which is given to the grave diggers. It is customary to offer the undertakers, particularly those regularly used, a meal or a packed container with a selection of Caribbean dishes to take home. Mourners sing favourite gospel choruses around the graveside which are also known as revival hymns or popular graveside songs. Sometimes tambourines are used or a choir or steel band is booked. After the funeral there is a Funeral Repast. This usually involves food/a buffet provided by caterers and there will be a top table for the immediate family. The venue is quite often decorated in a style similar to a wedding in the person’s favourite colours. We had great support from our church family. Vivienne, who was supported by Child Bereavement UK with her granddaughter Shaneeka after her daughter Helen died Support organisations Caribbean & African Health Network Bereavement Services: Greater Manchester only African & African-Caribbean Counselling Service (Greenwich) Our grateful thanks for their input into this resource to: Marva Langevine, Grief Advocate, Founder of Guyana Golden Lives Organization Mrs Lorraine Rose Visit our page: How we can support you for more on our services. You can also call our Helpline 0800 02 888 40, email [email protected], or use Live Chat on our website.
Data Protection Statement for Recruitment Expand Candidates providing applications and personal data to the Charity will be advised that their information will be stored, by means of the following statement: “It is assumed that you give consent for any personal or special categories of personal data which you submit as part of an application for this position to be processed by Child Bereavement UK (the “Charity”). If you do not accept these terms or if you do not give your consent to your data being processed and stored in this way, then please do not apply for this role. Any personal or special categories of data you send to the Charity will be used solely for the purposes of recruitment and selection in respect of the position for which you have applied. Such data will not be shared with anyone else unless there is a legal requirement to do so. If your application is unsuccessful, your personal data will be erased from our systems within 1 year except to retain a log of your name and current employer/job title and summary recruiter’s notes about your suitability in order for us to retain a record of your having been an applicant for this role. This will be retained indefinitely. We will only retain your CV, covering letter/email and any personal data contained in those files if you ask us to keep it for future reference in respect of any other job opportunities which may arise. If your application is successful, all personal data including our interview notes will be stored on our personnel records indefinitely. You are advised of your right to make a subject data access request in accordance with the GDPR, or to raise any complaints about data handling to The Information Commissioner's Office." Summary data will be retained on a recruitment log for each position/project undertaken. This will record the candidate’s first and last name, current employer and job title, and recruiter’s notes of assessment made for suitability for roles. These logs (held as Excel spreadsheets) are retained for legitimate business reasons which are for reporting and record purposes, and so that past candidates can be identified at a basic level in future projects where selection decisions may stand indefinitely for lawful and legitimate reasons. CVs of applicants who are rejected without interview will be immediately deleted after their basic information has been logged (as explained above). CVs and interview notes of candidates who are rejected following telephone screening or personal interview by the Charity will be deleted 6 months after their application was processed, but basic summary information will be retained.
Chinese communities Expand Beliefs, rituals and customs around death and dying Funeral traditions are observed strictly and not doing so is thought to bring bad luck on the family. Before the funeral, the family may contact a feng shui master to choose an auspicious time for the funeral and burial, and where possible a suitable site for burial or scattering of ashes. Funerals and other ceremonies Chinese funeral traditions and practices vary greatly according to the family’s religion, where their family origins are in China, the cause of death, and the age of the person who has died; a funeral for a child is likely to be very different to that of a grandparent or other older family member. The funeral usually takes place over seven days and there may be a formal ceremony on the seventh night after the death. The funeral starts with an event known as a shou ling. Family members take it in turns to sit with the person who has died. The person will be dressed in their best clothes or a traditional white robe; older people (aged over 80) may be dressed in red or brighter colours. At the shou ling, mourners bring food, incense, joss paper and white envelopes containing money as offerings. During the funeral service, the casket traditionally remains open. When the casket is closed, mourners will turn their back on it as it is believed that the spirit of anyone who sees the casket close will be trapped inside the coffin. During the funeral service, grieving families may burn incense and joss paper. Joss paper is typically made of bamboo or rice paper made to look like money, however it can also be made into paper houses, cars and other objects that the person may need in the afterlife. Incense and joss paper may also be burned at subsequent visits to the grave. During the funeral ceremony there may be chanting and prayers said which will vary according to the religion of the family (Taoist or Buddhist). Funeral guests give the grieving family money either at the funeral or on the day preceding the funeral. Traditionally this is given in odd numbered amounts in a white envelope. Cremation is common but it is not usual for ashes to be scattered, but rather they are split between family members or made into jewellery. If the funeral is that of a child or baby, the ceremony is held in silence. Length of and expectations around a mourning period Traditionally, grieving families may wear white, black or plain clothing for a month. In less traditional families, grieving families typically wear black. Some close family members may wear a white flower accessory for the first seven days after the death, which could be a hairpin or an item tied to a handbag. The period of mourning may vary between one month to three years depending on family origins in China and their relationship to the person who has died. Older generations may observe a traditional mourning period, called shǒusāng of one year or three years for a first-born son. During this period, they will limit their social activities and will not attend family occasions such as weddings and birthdays. Less traditional families, including their children, may stop going out for a few weeks to mark a period of mourning. Young engaged couples will be expected to reschedule their wedding to at least a year after the death when a grandparent or a parent dies. Ways of remembering someone who has died Ching Ming is a traditional Chinese festival which takes place in April in which people clean the graves of their ancestors. Families may burn incense and joss papers at their relative’s grave and bring food as a sign of reverence and respect. Ask! We don’t expect you to know the culture. Just ask sensitively if unsure. Pia Support organisations Chinese Information and Advice Centre Our grateful thanks for their input into this resource to: Pia Clay, Child Bereavement UK Visit our page: How we can support you for more on our services. You can also call our Helpline 0800 02 888 40, email [email protected], or use Live Chat on our website.
Christianity Expand Beliefs about death and dying, and life after death Christians believe in an afterlife and resurrection, but the beliefs around the afterlife vary within the different denominations, as do the rituals. Treatment of the body of the person who has died When someone dies, their body is usually taken to an undertaker who will carry out the necessary preparations for the body to be laid out. This is to enable those who wish to view the body to do so. Funerals and other ceremonies The funeral, organised by an undertaker, is usually within a few weeks of the death. This usually takes place in a church but sometimes a crematorium or a combination of the two. Wreaths or flowers may be placed on the coffin and it is traditional for attendees to wear black at a funeral, but this custom varies. The body will either be buried or cremated, dependent on the wishes of the person who has died and their family. A churchyard grave is often marked by a headstone, but for a cremation the family may choose a more informal way to mark where the ashes are buried or have been scattered. Some families keep the ashes, and some decide to scatter or bury them at a later date. They’re right with you but you just can’t see them but they’ll be there for the rest of your life watching after you and they’ll be with you forever. Shinobi, 11, who was supported by Child Bereavement UK after his grandmother died Catholic funerals Some families hold a Prayer Vigil also known as the Reception of the Body. This involves the coffin being taken to the church on the evening before the funeral. People gather together at the church to pray, including praying the Rosary. There may be music, readings and memories shared. Prayer vigils can also take place at home. A Catholic funeral is usually held in a church and includes a funeral mass which can include a requiem mass, eucharistic prayer and Holy Communion. In some cases, the funeral will take place without a mass. If the body of the person who has died was not received into the church the night before the funeral, the priest will greet mourners at the door and sprinkle the coffin with holy water before walking in front of the coffin to the altar. At the altar, family members may place a white cover called a pall on the coffin or put a cross or Bible on top. They may also add a photo or memorial card of the person who has died on a table close to the coffin. Prayers will be led by the priest and the funeral can last between 40 mins to two hours depending on what mass is said. At the end of the funeral there is a Final Commendation in which prayers are said. The priest will sprinkle holy water and pass incense over the coffin. While cremation is now acceptable in the Catholic faith, the Catholic church says it best for ashes to be buried rather than scattered. A wake takes place after the funeral at home or at a pub, restaurant or hotel. There may be a display of photos of the person who died and people will share memories. Support organisations and further information Talking about Dying Association of Christian Counsellors Lasting Post - Etiquette for a Church of England funeral Lasting Post - Etiquette for a Church of Scotland funeral Lasting Post - Etiquette for a Roman Catholic funeral Lasting Post - Etiquette for an Orthodox funeral The Art of Dying Well - Catholic burials and cremations The Art of Dying Well - A guide to Catholic funerals Our grateful thanks for their input into this resource to: The Art of Dying Well Visit our page: How we can support you for more on our services. You can also call our Helpline 0800 02 888 40, email [email protected], or use Live Chat on our website.
Privacy Policy Expand Child Bereavement UK respects your privacy. We support families and educate professionals when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement. We value the privacy of the families we support, the professionals we train and our supporters. Contact Us Child Bereavement UK is a registered charity (registered in England and Wales: 1040419 and Scotland: SCO42910). Our registered address is: Child Bereavement UKUnit B, Knaves Beech WayLoudwaterHigh WycombeBuckinghamshireHP10 9QY Email: [email protected]Telephone: 01494 568949 This policy was last reviewed and updated April 2022. For any data protection request, questions or concerns contact our Privacy Officer [email protected]. We are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). If you believe we are not processing your personal data in accordance with the law, you have the right to contact the ICO. Your Privacy You have the right to: Ask us what information we hold about you and receive a copy of this data Ask us to delete or stop communication with you Ask us to transfer a copy of your details to another organisation Ask us to update information about you, if any information we hold on you is incorrect or out of date We will acknowledge and act upon your request without delay. If at any time we cannot oblige, due to legal or contractual reasons, we will explain this to you. We will only send fundraising or marketing material to you if we have clear consent or where there is a legitimate interest to do so. You can change your mind at any time, as most communication has a clear unsubscribe link. Alternatively, you can email us at [email protected] or telephone or write to us using the details above. Families receiving direct support from the charity will never receive marketing information, unless they give clear consent, which will be discussed with them at the closure of family support sessions. Your Data There is a variety of ways in which we may collect your personal information, for example: Basic contact details when you make an enquiry, sign up for our newsletter or make a request for training information Financial details when you purchase from our shop, donate, add gift aid, or enter an event Specific details may be required when you access our direct family support, leave gifts in a will or sign up to be a volunteer How We Use Your Information To provide information and support through our services and facilitate our training courses Where you access one of our services, including our Helpline, or register for or enquire about attending one of our training courses, we will use the information you give us to ensure we provide the appropriate information and support, and to meet internal reporting requirements. Where this includes special category information, such as information about your health, we will ask for consent to store and use your information. To respond to or fulfil any requests, complaints or queries you make to us If you contact us directly, we will use the information you give to us to handle your enquiry or request. This may include responding to your query or feedback, or sending you relevant information, such as health information or fundraising materials. We may also keep a record of conversations we have with you, feedback you provide and any materials we send out to you. Calls may be recorded for training and monitoring purposes. This can help us to handle queries more efficiently. To process any donations you make, claim any relevant Gift Aid and maintain a record of your past or potential future financial contributions This includes keeping a record of any pledges, gift agreements or any other indications that you are planning to donate to us. We keep a record of any donations we receive for audit purposes, and we are legally required to keep information related to Gift Aid. We may need to use your information to prevent fraud and maintain effective cyber security. We will also use your information to administer any raffles or auctions you participate in, for example, contacting you to let you know you have won a prize. We may receive this information when you contact us directly, or when you give to us through a payroll giving agency or a third party giving platform or website. To provide you with information and support for any fundraising and campaigning events, activities or volunteering opportunities you sign up to If you have completed a form or otherwise contacted us to register or enquire about an event or activity, or to sign up to one of our campaigns, we will consider this as a request to send you details about the event, activity or campaign. Where you provide contact details, we may provide information and support by post, phone, mobile messaging, email, via social media, and any other channels for which you have provided your details. When you have asked for details of an event, we will send you information including, where relevant, ideas for fundraising and reminders and key information about the activity. We may also receive information through event organisers or through third party giving platforms or websites so we know you are fundraising for us. Where appropriate, we will use the information you provide to us or to a third party (see above) to identify any help we can offer, specific to the activity you have signed up for and to provide necessary information to event organisers. To manage our recruitment When applying for a role with us via our online recruitment portal and/or through a recruitment agency the personal data you provide as part of the recruitment process will only be held and processed for the purpose of the selection processes and in connection with any subsequent employment unless otherwise indicated. You will be asked to provide certain information including your name, contact details, employment history and qualifications. We will use this information to consider your application, communicate with you about your application and, where successful, follow up with references to meet our statutory and internal monitoring and reporting responsibilities. We may also view social media profiles of applicants, such as LinkedIn, to the extent that it is relevant to your application. Unsuccessful applicant data will be held confidentially within the recruitment system for a period of one year before it is deleted in order that you can access and re-use data in future applications and we can respond to any statutory reporting requests. Surveys When we collect information for this purpose, we will always explain to you at the time we collect your information how it will be used and whether it will be held anonymously or not. To keep our offices and the people in them secure We have CCTV in operation at the entrances to our Loudwater office for security purposes, to help us deter crime and protect our staff and visitors. Sensitive Data Additional data will be collected in relation to families who access direct support from the charity, in accordance with our family bereavement support service record-keeping policy, to ensure safe and consistent support can be delivered. The details of information storage, consent, confidentiality and safeguarding will be discussed at the outset of any direct support work. This information is only accessible to staff authorised to see it and not to other staff or volunteers. Children's Data Due to the nature of our charity’s activities, we hold personal information relating to children and young people when they access direct support. These details are only held with the explicit consent of the child’s parents/guardian or a young person themselves if they are Fraser competent. Their details are kept securely with restricted access and handled with the greatest respect for privacy. Special Category In some circumstances, we may collect sensitive data. An example would be data about ethnic origin. We only hold this information for specific purposes, for a limited time and with your explicit consent. This information is only accessible to staff authorised to see it and not to other staff or volunteers. Retention We will retain your information for no longer than is necessary or for the lifespan of our active engagement with you and to meet any legal or regulatory requirements. To comply with professional standards all information in relation to family support work will be securely stored in compliance with the most recent NHS record-keeping policy. We will keep basic information relating to gifts in a Will indefinitely, so we can communicate appropriately with the families, when we administer Legacy gifts. Support Partners If you access our website through another site or search engine or if our website has links to other websites, which you click on – we have no control over other support partner sites. Please refer to their Privacy & Cookie Policy. We may receive financial support through co-branding with a support partner. We never endorse or approve products and services from these partner brands. When you give a gift or fundraise for us, we may receive your information and donation from a support partner such as JustGiving, Eventbrite or Payroll Giving. We will never disclose your personal information to another party unless required by law. Sharing of information under safeguarding policies will be discussed with all families at initial contact. Transferring Your Information Abroad To ensure we run the charity efficiently and offer an appropriate service, we use several systems and applications. The information in some of these systems may be transferred to one of our reputable service providers who may store and process this information outside the United Kingdom. We carry out our own due diligence and work under agreed Data Processing Agreements. We have suitable safeguards in place, which includes standard contractual clause agreements as required by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Data Security We take appropriate technical and organisational security measures to safeguard all personal information. We use industry-standard high encryption security measures to protect from loss, misuse or alteration of data under our control. Information in relation to families who receive direct support is securely locked down, so it is only available to Bereavement Support staff and not to other Child Bereavement UK staff or volunteers. If we make any significant changes to the way we manage your personal information or communicate with you, we will update this policy and make you aware of these changes. Research On occasion we may carry out research to determine whether an individual may be a potential major donor or attendee of a special event. We use information available from public sources such as Google, Companies House, The Charity Commission, Electoral Roll Register, Zoopla, reputable news articles, company websites, professional biographies on networking sites as well as geographic and demographic information based on postcodes. The type of information we collect includes career overview, estimated gift capacity, history of giving to our charity and how the individual is connected with Child Bereavement UK, public information on any philanthropic activities and a top-line check on any ethical concerns. We may also research public records of an individual’s trusteeships and previous gifts made to charity or whether a company that the individual is connected to has a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme. Occasionally we may also research any key networks that the individual is publicly known to be a member of such as on the board of a not for profit or philanthropic body which may have relevance to our activities. We may also use profiling to produce short biographies of individuals where they are due to meet with one of our staff or attend an event that we may be hosting. This is to enable relevant staff members who are also attending the meeting or event to understand who those individuals are and what their interest or connection to Child Bereavement UK may be. We always seek to ensure that any research or profiling is done in a way that does not unreasonably or unexpectedly intrude on an individual’s privacy. Segmenting and Targeting We target fundraising supporters by type of supporter, levels of giving based on giving history, when the supporter last donated, and how engaged the supporter is within certain communication methods. We also use a propensity modelling software that uses machine learning technology to generate predictions about how donors are likely to behave. These approaches enable us to better target fundraising appeals and mailings that may be of interest to that individual and get them involved.
Hinduism Expand Beliefs about death and dying, and life after death Hindus believe in reincarnation and a cycle of rebirths. Funerals and other ceremonies A Hindu funeral is as much a celebration as a remembrance service. Hindus cremate their dead as it is the soul that has importance, not the body which is no longer needed. White is the traditional colour and mourners usually wear traditional Indian garments. (If you are attending the funeral and are not Hindu, it may be worth asking what appropriate dress will be.) During the service, offerings such as flowers or sweetmeats may be passed around and bells rung; sound is a part of the ritual. The chief mourner, usually the eldest son if there is one, and other male members of the family, may shave their heads as a mark of respect. In India, the chief mourner lights the funeral pyre. In the UK, in a crematorium, he will press the button for the coffin to move behind the curtain and, in some instances, may be permitted to ignite the cremator. In the UK women now also press the button for the coffin, i.e. daughters and other female family members, as traditions have been relaxed. Rituals and customs around death and dying Ashes may be taken back to India to be scattered on the River Ganges. In the UK, some areas of water have been designated as acceptable substitutes. Length of and expectations around a mourning period An intense period of mourning lasts for 13 days following the funeral and involves all family and friends. It is customary during this time for family and friends to show their respect by grieving with the family either at their home or at a chosen temple. The immediate family of the person who has died is considered to be in mourning for a year. During this time some of the traditions will limit or restrict participation in events, festivals or social activities. We made his funeral more of a celebration of his life. KSAVI, who was supported by Child Bereavement UK after her baby son, Shivai, died aged eight months Support organisations Hindu Forum of Britain Hindu Council UK Lasting Post - Etiquette for a Hindu funeral Our grateful thanks for their input into this resource to: Suman Mumtaz, Child Bereavement UK Kavita Mehta, Child Bereavement UK
About death and grief Expand 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 Coping with grief when someone you love dies suddenly This free booklet aims to help you understand emotions and feelings commonly suffered after a sudden death. It provides straightforward advice on how to cope and who can help you to recover. Available to download from Sudden From a Clear Blue Sky Timothy Knatchbull A powerful survivor’s account of the IRA bomb that killed the author’s 14-year-old twin brother, his grandparents and a family friend, published on the 30th anniversary of the atrocity. Buy from Amazon GriefWorks app Julia Samuel Drawing on Child Bereavement UK’s Founder Patron Julia Samuel’s 30 years of experience as a leading grief therapist, the GriefWorks app was designed to effectively address the full range of emotions surrounding grief. The app pairs Julia’s advice with actionable practices and exercises, gently nudging you to record and examine your own thoughts and feelings. The app also offers more than 30 interactive tools including breathing visualisation exercises, guided meditations, daily gratitude check-ins, prompted evening reflections, and more. Available on Apple Store and Google Play Store.£49.99 for 3 months. Get a 10% discount when using this link. 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 How to Get to Grips with Grief: 40 Ways to Manage the Unmanageable James Withey This book is for anyone who has lost someone. It may have been recently, or it may have been years ago, but still it stings like it was yesterday.In his twenty years supporting people with their own grief, as a counsellor and social care worker, he has helped others work through their despair and reconcile the injustice of grief. With his trademark humour and warmth, he provides forty ways to help you live with and manage your grief no matter what stage you're at. It provides comfort for when it all gets too much, ideas for when you feel at a loss for what to do and more than a laugh or two to balance out the sadness. Purchase from Amazon It's Okay that you're Not Okay Megan Devine When a painful loss or life-shattering event upends your world, here is the first thing to know: there is nothing wrong with grief. "Grief is simply love in its most wild and painful form," says Megan Devine. "It is a natural and sane response to loss." So, why does our culture treat grief like a disease to be cured as quickly as possible? In It's OK That You're Not OK, Megan Devine offers a profound new approach to both the experience of grief and the way we try to help others who have endured tragedy. Buy from Amazon Michael Rosen's Sad Book Michael Rosen A very personal story that speaks to adults as well as children. The author describes feeling sad after the death of his son and what he does to try to cope with it. Buy from Amazon We Get It Heather L. Servaty-Seib and David C. Fajgenbaum A unique collection of 33 narrative by bereaved students and young adults in America, this book aims to help young adults who are grieving and provide guidance for those who seek to support them. It has been described as like having a group in a book. Buy on Amazon You Are Not Alone Cariad Lloyd In You Are Not Alone, Cariad shares all that she has learned from presenting her podcast, Griefcast. She reflects on her own grief, the grief of others, and the psychology and science behind how our society deals with death and loss. Funeral thoughts, therapy, coping with anniversaries, bad friends, good friends, birthdays, weddings, missing them, not missing them - this is grief in all its sad, surprising, awkward, tender and sometimes funny forms. You Are Not Alone is a road map for all of us: for anybody who has ever felt lost in grief, who would like to help someone they know through theirs, or who just wants to understand life a little better. Buy on Amazon 'You'll Get Over It': The Rage of Bereavement Virginia Ironside The death of a loved one is the most traumatic experience any of us face. No two people cope with it the same way: some cry while others remain dry-eyed; some discover growth through pain, others find arid wastes; some feel angry, others feel numb. Virginia Ironside deals with this complicated and sensitive issue with great frankness and insight, drawing on other's people's accounts as well as her own experiences. Buy from Amazon
Shop Terms and Conditions Expand Delivery, refunds and exchanges We aim to dispatch goods within seven working days of receiving your order. A charge for postage and packing is added to your order before checkout, and is calculated by the weight and size of the items ordered. We operate a 14 days refund and exchange policy. Resources must be sent back within 14 days for a refund (excluding postage & packing). Faulty goods will be exchanged free of charge on receipt of the faulty item at our Child Bereavement UK Head Office: Child Bereavement UK Unit B, Knaves Beech WayKnaves Beech Industrial EstateLoudwaterBuckinghamshireHP10 9QY How we manage your personal data as a customer We promise to always keep your details safe, and we will never sell or swap data with third parties. For more information please see our Privacy Policy. Purchase Orders Our online shop is usually the quickest way for you to purchase our resources. However, we can accept purchase order payments for orders of £100 or more, from organisations such as schools, hospitals, bereavement support services or businesses. We aim to dispatch goods within seven working days of receiving your order. Contact us For all enquiries about our shop, please email [email protected] or call us 01494 568 917.
Humanism Expand Beliefs about death and dying, and life after death Humanists are non-religious. They follow the principle that this life is the only one we have and therefore, when you are dead, there is no moving on to another one. Funerals and ceremonies The focus of a Humanist funeral is on celebrating the life of the person who has died; stories are shared and memories recalled, and their favourite music may be played. The funeral can be led by friends and family who may be supported by a celebrant. The ceremony will be tailored to meet the family’s wishes rather than following a set pattern. Support organisations Humanists UK Lasting Post - Etiquette for a Humanist funeral We are currently seeking specialist input into this section. If you are working in the bereavement sector and have professional expertise in this area and would like to suggest ways to add to or improve this resource, please contact us on: [email protected] Visit our page: How we can support you for more on our services. You can also call our Helpline 0800 02 888 40, email [email protected], or use Live Chat on our website.
Social Media User Policy Expand We will not tolerate any comments which are offensive, obscene, are defamatory, threatening, abusive, hateful, discriminatory, unintelligible, misleading, for commercial gain, unsupportive of others or inappropriate in any other way. We reserve the right to hide or delete any comments posted on our channels, as well as block or report users if we deem it to be necessary. We aim to respond to private messages to our social media within 48 hours, but it can take longer if your message is received over the weekend or on public holidays as our channels are only monitored Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. For bereavement support, you can also call our Helpline on 0800 02 888 40, access Live Chat on our website, or email [email protected] between the hours of 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.
Irish Traveller and Romany Gypsy communities Expand Irish Travellers and Romany Gypsies are distinct ethnic groups with their own belief structures, languages and customs. They do share some similarities with regard to traditions around burying the dead however there are also many differences. This guide from Friends Families and Travellers; Cemeteries and Burial: Culture and Traditions for people from the Traveller Communities provides more detailed information. See also: It’s different without you by Carol Rogers - a free e-book designed to be used with children who need help to understand what death means, what to do and how they feel when someone dies. See also: Understanding Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities: A Support Guide – SASP (supportaftersuicide.org.uk) Support organisations Friends, Families & Travellers Roma Support Group Our grateful thanks for their input into this resource to: Friends Families and Travellers Visit our page: How we can support you for more on our services. You can also call our Helpline 0800 02 888 40, email [email protected], or use Live Chat on our website.
Pregnancy loss, miscarriage and neonatal death Expand A Silent Sorrow: Pregnancy Loss - Guidance and Support for You and Your Family Ingrid Kohn, Perry Lynn-Moffit and Isabelle Wilkins For families seeking emotional and practical support after a pregnancy loss. Well organised and easy to read this book offers practical suggestions for the many topics covered. They include bereaved mothers, fathers, grandparents, explaining to your children and what might help. Sections can be read as and when bereaved parents feel able. Buy from Amazon Mainly for Fathers A short booklet containing information that many fathers whose baby has died said they needed to know. It includes sections on feelings, telling other people, you and your partner, returning to work, certificates and registration. Available from Sands Unspeakable Losses: Healing from Miscarriage, Abortion, and Other Pregnancy Loss Kim Kluger Bell Written by a psychotherapist and counsellor. Approaches for healing for women and men who have experienced miscarriage, abortion, infertility and other pregnancy losses. Buy from Amazon When your baby dies: a particular kind of grief Child Bereavement UK Practical advice and guidance for parents at the time of their baby's death in hospital. Information space included for local sources of support to be added by the professional caring for the parents. Printed booklets are available to buy from Child Bereavement UK When a Baby Dies: The Experience of Late Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Nancy Kohner and Alix Henley In this book, parents who have lost a baby tell their stories. They speak about what happened, how they felt, how others have helped them and how they helped themselves. Using letters from and interviews with many bereaved parents, Nancy Kohner and Alix Henley have written a book that offers understanding of what it means to lose a baby and the grief that follows. Buy from Amazon
About death and grief Expand Always and Forever Alan Durant When Fox dies the rest of his ‘family’ are absolutely distraught. How will Mole, Otter and Hare go on without their beloved friend? But, months later, Squirrel reminds them all of how funny Fox used to be, and they realise that Fox is still there in their hearts and memories. Buy from Amazon Badger's Parting Gifts Susan Varley Badger is so old that he knows he will soon die. He tries to prepare his friends for this event, but when he does die, they are still grief-stricken. Gradually they come to terms with their grief by remembering all the practical things Badger taught them, and so Badger lives on in his friends’ memories of him. The new, 35th anniversary edition of the book features a reading guide from Child Bereavement UK that provides tips for reading Badger’s Parting Gifts with children and helping them better understand grief. Download our online information sheet Talking With and Supporting Bereaved Children with further notes and guidance, using examples and illustrations from the book. Buy from Amazon Goodbye Mog Judith Kerr Mog was tired. Mog thought, ‘I want to sleep for ever.’ And so she did. But a little bit of her stayed awake to see what would happen next. Mog keeps watch over the upset Thomas family, who miss her terribly, and she wonders how they will ever manage without her. Eventually the family are able to begin moving forward in their lives, but little Debbie says she will always remember Mog. ‘So I should hope,’ thinks Mog. And she flies up and up and up right into the sun. Buy from Amazon Goodbye Mousie Robie H Harris The story of a young boy dealing with the death of his pet mouse is handled with the sure touch of an author familiar with children’s tender emotions. Simply told by the boy, in a matter of fact tone with a dash of humour, he recounts his reactions to the death of his pet mouse. Buy from Amazon Hamza attends a Janaza Shabana Hussain Hamza’s usual fun Saturday is cancelled when his family receives the sad news that Uncle Sameer has died. Follow Hamza through the day as he learns about the various aspects of a janaza. This story is a gentle introduction to attending an Islamic funeral, told from a child’s perspective. It familiarises children with the etiquettes and some of the rituals surrounding a funeral and provides an opportunity for important discussions around death and the afterlife in an age-appropriate manner. Buy from Kube Publishing I Lost Something Very Special Husna Rahman and Anita Bagdi 'I Lost Something Very Special' tells the story of a little girl who shares some of her fondest memories as she tries to make sense of losing something very, very special. This book is centred around loss and grief for children aged 3-7 years old. Buy from Amazon I Miss You: A First Look at Death Pat Thomas This book helps children understand that death is a natural complement to life, and that grief and a sense of loss are normal feelings for them to have. For pre-school and early years. Buy from Amazon Love Will Never Die Clare Shaw Using clear but child-friendly language and large colourful illustrations, this rhyming book addresses the mixed feelings a bereaved child might go through. It offers support and understanding alongside interactive areas where the child can express themselves through writing and drawing. Buy from Amazon Michael Rosen's Sad Book Michael Rosen A very personal story that speaks to adults as well as children. The author describes feeling sad after the death of his son and what he does to try to cope with it. Buy from Amazon Muddles, Puddles and Sunshine: Your Activity Book to Help When Someone Has Died Winston’s Wish Offering practical and sensitive support for bereaved children, this book suggests a helpful series of activities and exercises accompanied by the friendly characters of Bee and Bear. It aims to help children make sense of their experience by reflecting on different aspects of their grief. Buy from Amazon No Matter What Debi Gliori 'I'm a grim and grumpy little Small and nobody loves me at all,' said a small fox. But that's not true and Small's mother is determined to prove that her love is limitless - no matter what! With sparkly foil stars and a small, sturdy board format, this is the perfect story to share with the very young. A beautiful, lyrical, loving book about setting big worries to rest. Buy from Amazon Pepper, Pooch and Little Caroline Jay, illustrated by Catherine Swan A picture book for 4+ year olds about the lifetimes of Pepper the hamster, Pooch the puppy and Little the tortoise, which offers a gentle introduction to life and death and the importance of the memories that link them. Designed to trigger discussion and help adults to support children as they think about life and death. Buy from Swan Jay Books Rabbityness Jo Empson This is the story of a very special rabbit. He enjoys doing rabbit things, but he also loves – well, un-rabbity things. His boundless creative talent is a source of joy and inspiration to the other rabbits. When Rabbit suddenly disappears, no one knows where he has gone. His friends are desolate. But, as it turns out, Rabbit left behind some very special gifts for them, to help them discover their own un-rabbity talents! Buy from Amazon Remembering Dianne Leutner, Joan Gorman and Daniel Postgate. Part book, part scrapbook Remembering was created to help keep a child’s memories alive after the loss of someone special and to give children a place to return to whenever they wish. Buy from Child Bereavement UK Saying Goodbye to Hare Carol Lee This is an uplifting story written for children aged 5-9 years about death and dying. As young Rabbit witnesses the life, illness and death of his dear friend Hare, the story explores some of the emotional and physical feelings, and some of the questions children have at this time. The story is sensitively written to give a positive, thoughtful message about death and dying. It also includes guidance notes for adults supporting a bereaved child. Buy from Amazon Someone has died in road crash Mary Williams OBE and Caroline Chisholm Two young characters, who have been bereaved by a road crash, narrate the colourful book by giving caring and helpful tips. Tackling all the tough questions that children may want to ask, the book deals with the crash itself, funerals, police investigation and the possible emotions a child may experience. There is also an additional download with tips for adults on how to use the book with young children. Download from Brake Someone has died suddenly Mary Williams and Steve Fraser This colourful book, prepared in partnership with bereavement specialists, is for suddenly bereaved children and adults to read together. It helps children understand their strong feelings and gives suggestions to help them cope. It provides straightforward information about practical things that happen after a sudden death, such as a post-mortem examination. There is also an additional download with tips for adults on how to use the book with young children. Available to download from Sudden Someone I know has died Trish Phillips Innovative activity book with interactive features written for bereaved children to do by themselves or with adult help. For primary-aged children. Buy from Child Bereavement UK The Boy Who Built a Wall Around Himself Ali Redford Boy built a wall to keep himself safe. Behind it he felt strong and more protected. Then Someone Kind came along. She bounced a ball, sang and painted on the other side of the wall, and Boy began to wonder if life on the other side might be better after all. Written for children aged 4 to 9, this gentle full-colour picture book uses a simple metaphor to explain how children who have had painful or traumatic experiences can build barriers between themselves and other people. It will help children explore their feelings and encourage communication. Buy from Amazon The Invisible String Patricia Karst This story that teaches of the tie that really binds. Mums and Dads feel the tug whenever kids give it; and kids feel the tug that comes right back: the Invisible String reaches from heart to heart. Does everybody have an Invisible String? How far does it reach anyway? Whether it is a loved one who has died, or a parent who is just in the next room, this book illustrates a new way to cope with a child’s fear of loneliness and separation. Here is a warm and delightful lesson teaching young and old that we are never really alone. Buy from Amazon The Lonely Tree Nicholas Halliday This beautiful and moving story follows the first year in the life of a lone evergreen tree growing in the heart of the ancient oak woodland of the New Forest. The evergreen is befriended by the oldest oak who has lived for hundreds of years. When winter arrives all the oak trees must go to sleep, but of course evergreens never sleep. Finally, after a long, cold and lonely winter, spring brings both sadness and joy to the little tree. There is also a colouring book that accompanies this story, which you can also buy from Amazon. Buy from Amazon The Magical Wood Mark Lemon One cold and stormy day, the wind blew a terrible gale. The next day the tree family woke to find that Strongest Tree had fallen to the woodland floor and had sadly died. How would the tree family survive the seasons without the strength of Strongest Tree? Audiobook available for free from Lemon Drop Books The Memory Tree Britta Teckentrup Fox has lived a long and happy life in the forest. One day, he lies down in his favourite clearing, takes a deep breath, and falls asleep for ever. One by one, Fox's friends tell stories of the special moments that they shared with Fox. This gentle and comforting tale celebrates life and the memories that are left behind when a loved one dies. Buy from Amazon The Tenth Good Thing about Barney Judith Viorst A book looking about death from the perspective of a child. Though dealing with the death of a pet, it helps children deal with the reality of any death, including why we have funerals. This book does not have religious overtones, so it can be used by families with all different sets of beliefs. Buy from Amazon Tough Boris Mem Fox Boris von der Borch is a mean, greedy old pirate – tough as nails, through and through, like all pirates. Or is he? Buy from Amazon Waterbugs and Dragonflies: Explaining Death to Young children Doris Stickney Written from a Christian perspective, this acclaimed book can be used to help explain the concept of death to young children. The story illustrates that death is inevitable, irreversible but natural. Buy from Amazon What Does Dead Mean?A Book for Young Children to Help Explain Death and Dying Caroline Jay and Jenni Thomas, OBE A book for young children to help explain death and dying, based on the many questions that children ask. This book looks at questions such as why ‘Why can’t doctors and nurses make people better?’, and offers practical help for children, as well as guidance for parents and carers when a child is bereaved. Buy from Amazon When Dinosaurs Die – A Guide to Understanding Death Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown A comprehensive, sensitive guide for families dealing with the loss of loved ones, ‘When Dinosaurs Die’ helps primary aged children understand what death means, and how best to cope with their feelings. Buy from Amazon When someone special dies - for under 7s Child Bereavement UK This leaflet has been prepared with the help of bereaved families. It aims to help children when they have been bereaved. Also essential for A&E, Intensive care units and professionals who support families. Download for free or buy from Child Bereavement UK When someone special dies - for ages 7 to 11 Child Bereavement UK This leaflet has been prepared with the help of bereaved families. It aims to help children when they have been bereaved. Also essential for A&E, Intensive care units and professionals who support families. Download for free or buy from Child Bereavement UK When Something Terrible Happens: Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief Marge Heegaard Terrible things can happen to children. Traumatic events in the lives of their families, their friends or in the world leave then feeling confused, insecure and frightened. There are floods, earthquakes, and sometimes people cause violence and trauma. This is a workbook designed to help children understand and deal with overwhelming feelings from loss and change. Buy from Amazon
When a baby dies Expand I Promise It Won't Always Hurt Like This Clare Mackintosh When bestselling writer Clare Mackintosh lost her five-week-old son, she searched for help in books. All of them wanted to tell her what she should be feeling and when she should be feeling it, but the truth – as she soon found out – is that there are no neat, labelled stages for grief, or crash grief-diets to relieve us of our pain. What we need when we’re grieving is time, understanding and to be shown that we’re not alone. With 18 short assurances that are full of compassion – drawn from Clare’s experiences of losing her son and her father – I Promise It Won’t Always Hurt Like This is the book she needed then. Buy from Amazon A Silent Sorrow: Pregnancy Loss - Guidance and Support for You and Your Family Ingrid Kohn, Perry Lynn-Moffit and Isabelle Wilkins For families seeking emotional and practical support after a pregnancy loss. Well organised and easy to read this book offers practical suggestions for the many topics covered. They include bereaved mothers, fathers, grandparents, explaining to your children and what might help. Sections can be read as and when bereaved parents feel able. Buy from Amazon Losing a Baby Sarah Ewing This book is for those parents coping with the death of a young child. It’s written for the parents of babies who die before the age of two, as well as babies born prematurely who might have lived, but not early miscarriages. This book covers: the first few days; practicalities (arranging the funeral etc); adjusting to the reality of the death; coping as a couple; what to tell your other children; dealing with the outside world; getting counselling and support; traditional remedies and complementary therapies. Buy from Amazon Mainly for Fathers A short booklet containing information that many fathers whose baby has died said they needed to know. It includes sections on feelings, telling other people, you and your partner, returning to work, certificates and registration. Available from Sands Unspeakable Losses: Healing from Miscarriage, Abortion, and Other Pregnancy Loss Kim Kluger Bell Written by a psychotherapist and counsellor. Approaches for healing for women and men who have experienced miscarriage, abortion, infertility and other pregnancy losses. Buy from Amazon When a Baby Dies: The Experience of Late Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Nancy Kohner and Alix Henley In this book, parents who have lost a baby tell their stories. They speak about what happened, how they felt, how others have helped them and how they helped themselves. Using letters from and interviews with many bereaved parents, Nancy Kohner and Alix Henley have written a book that offers understanding of what it means to lose a baby and the grief that follows. Buy from Amazon When your baby dies: a particular kind of grief Child Bereavement UK Practical advice and guidance for parents at the time of their baby's death in hospital. Information space included for local sources of support to be added by the professional caring for the parents. Printed booklets are available to buy from Child Bereavement UK When Words are not Enough: Creative Responses to Grief Jane Harris Everyone grieves for someone at some point in their lives. But how do we deal with the silence that often surrounds grief? How do we find ways to express painful feelings when words are not enough? In this deeply personal and beautiful reflection on grief Jane Harris and Jimmy Edmonds draw on their own experience of loss, and how the death of their son Josh has led to a creative response that is more than word bound.Buy from Amazon
Activity books and resources to support bereaved children Expand 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 After a Suicide: A Workbook for Grieving Kids Dougy Centre In this hands-on, interactive workbook, children who have been exposed to a suicide can learn from other grieving kids. The workbook includes drawing activities, puzzles, stories, advice from other kids and helpful suggestions for how to navigate the grief process after a suicide death. Buy from Amazon Beyond the Rainbow: A Workbook for Children in the Advanced Stages of a Very Serious Illness Marge Heegard This book provides children and their caregivers a broad range of opportunities to express thoughts and feelings related to advanced stages of a life-threatening illness. The book has a warm interactive quality to it. Through the creative activities it offers, children can learn to communicate more openly about their illness, develop coping skills, express personal wishes, foster hope, and share thoughts and concerns about death. 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 Finding Your Own Way to Grieve: A Creative Activity Workbook for Kids and Teens on the Autism Spectrum 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 Luna’s Red Hat Emmi Smid This book tells the story of Luna, whose mum died by suicide one year ago and she still finds it difficult to understand why. Dad talks to her and explains what happened, and together they think about all the happy memories they have of Mum. This book is designed to be read with children age 6+ who have experienced the loss of a loved one by suicide. It includes a guide for parents and professionals. Buy from Amazon Muddles, Puddles and Sunshine: Your Activity Book to Help When Someone Has Died Winston’s Wish Offering practical and sensitive support for bereaved children, this book suggests a helpful series of activities and exercises accompanied by the friendly characters of Bee and Bear. It aims to help children make sense of their experience by reflecting on different aspects of their grief. Buy from Amazon Ollie the Octopus Loss and Bereavement Activity Book: A Therapeutic Story with Activities Dr Karen Treisman This activity book has been developed by expert child Psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Karen Treisman. The first part of the book is a colourful illustrated therapeutic story about Ollie the Octopus, with a focus on Ollie making sense of and processing the loss of his mum, Orla. This is followed by a wealth of creative activities and colourful photocopiable worksheets for children and the people supporting them to explore aspects of loss, grief, death, and bereavement, and how to find ways to understand and cope with them. Buy from Amazon Precious Time Lindsey Stukalov Stone This book helps children understand their feelings when a loved one is dying. The book is an interactive tool for adults to use as a guide to plan their own conversation or to be used in direct work with children. The book supports the child's mental health through an interactive, gentle and validating approach. Buy from Heart of Kent Hospice 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 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 children when a baby has died Sands Booklet mainly for parents but useful for anyone who comes into contact with a child whose baby brother or sister has died before, at, or soon after birth. It includes information about the needs of older children and teenagers bereaved in this way. Available to download from Sands Talking About Death: A Dialogue Between Parent and Child Earl Grollman This guide to helping children cope with death includes an illustrated, read-along story, and discusses coping with a child’s anger, denial or guilt, and how to discuss funerals, cemeteries and grief. Buy from Amazon The Little Flower Bulb Eleanor Gormally The Little Flower Bulb tells the story of Jamie, his mum and his twin sisters, and of how Jamie comes to deal with the death of his father. Suitable for children aged 3-8, this beautifully illustrated book will be helpful for parents when talking to children bereaved by the suicide of a close relative. Buy from Amazon The Snowdrop Tree This charming story uses Forest School inspired activities to guide the child through their emotions. From subtle changes in the weather and environment on the pages to the personal adventure of the polar bear family. Each page has lots to look and talk about with activities explained and adult support prompts to guide the adult. Buy from Amazon When Someone Very Special Dies: Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief - Workbook M Heegard This work book was designed to teach basic concepts of death and help children understand and express the many feelings they have when someone special dies. Communication is increased and coping skills are developed as they illustrate their books with their personal story. Buy from Amazon When your Partner Dies: Supporting your children Child Bereavement UK A short booklet which offers guidance for a surviving partner when parenting their bereaved children as well as coping with their own grief. It was developed with help from bereaved families and was originally funded by BBC Children in Need. Also useful for GP surgeries, Health visitors etc. Download a copy here
When a child of any age dies Expand A Heart That Works Rob Delaney In this devastating, beautiful and deeply moving memoir of the loss of his son, Rob Delaney explores what life really means, and why it matters. This is the story of what happens when you lose a child, and everything you discover about life in the process. Why does he feel compelled to talk about it, to write about it, to disseminate information designed to make people feel something like what he felt? What his wife feels? What his other sons feel? Done properly or well, it will hurt them. Why does he want to hurt people? Because, despite the death of his son, Rob still loves people. For that reason, he wants them to understand. Available from Amazon Don't Let Them Tell You How to Grieve: Lines to let you know you are not alone Gina Claye Poems written by a mother who experienced the sudden deaths of her 19-year-old daughter by suicide and her 32-year-old son from encephalitis. Available from Amazon GriefWorks app Julia Samuel Drawing on Child Bereavement UK’s Founder Patron Julia Samuel’s 30 years of experience as a leading grief therapist, the GriefWorks app was designed to effectively address the full range of emotions surrounding grief. The app pairs Julia’s advice with actionable practices and exercises, gently nudging you to record and examine your own thoughts and feelings. The app also offers more than 30 interactive tools including breathing visualisation exercises, guided meditations, daily gratitude check-ins, prompted evening reflections, and more. Available on Apple Store and Google Play Store.£49.99 for 3 months. Get a 10% discount when using this link. How to Get to Grips with Grief: 40 Ways to Manage the Unmanageable James Withey This book is for anyone who has lost someone. It may have been recently, or it may have been years ago, but still it stings like it was yesterday. In his twenty years supporting people with their own grief, as a counsellor and social care worker, he has helped others work through their despair and reconcile the injustice of grief.With his trademark humour and warmth, he provides forty ways to help you live with and manage your grief no matter what stage you're at. It provides comfort for when it all gets too much, ideas for when you feel at a loss for what to do and more than a laugh or two to balance out the sadness. Available from Amazon Losing Liam Sue Bracknell Poems written following the author's son’s suicide in 2003, helping her to connect with him and to grieve. Buy from Child Bereavement UK When Words are not Enough: Creative Responses to Grief Jane Harris Everyone grieves for someone at some point in their lives. But how do we deal with the silence that often surrounds grief? How do we find ways to express painful feelings when words are not enough? In this deeply personal and beautiful reflection on grief Jane Harris and Jimmy Edmonds draw on their own experience of loss, and how the death of their son Josh has led to a creative response that is more than word bound.Available from Amazon You Are Not Alone Cariad Lloyd In You Are Not Alone, Cariad shares all that she has learned from presenting her podcast, Griefcast. She reflects on her own grief, the grief of others, and the psychology and science behind how our society deals with death and loss. Funeral thoughts, therapy, coping with anniversaries, bad friends, good friends, birthdays, weddings, missing them, not missing them - this is grief in all its sad, surprising, awkward, tender and sometimes funny forms. You Are Not Alone is a road map for all of us: for anybody who has ever felt lost in grief, who would like to help someone they know through theirs, or who just wants to understand life a little better. Available on Amazon
When someone is not expected to live (pre-bereavement) Expand As Big as it Gets Julie Stokes and Diana Crossley This booklet aims to help families cope with the serious illness of a parent or child. It provides a range of ideas for parents and carers so that they may feel more able to explain to their children what is happening. The booklet also includes some suggestions about what parents might say to children and how to offer support.Buy from Winston's Wish Beyond the Rainbow: A Workbook for Children in the Advanced Stages of a Very Serious Illness Marge Heegard This book provides children and their caregivers a broad range of opportunities to express thoughts and feelings related to advanced stages of a life-threatening illness. The book has a warm interactive quality to it. Through the creative activities it offers, children can learn to communicate more openly about their illness, develop coping skills, express personal wishes, foster hope, and share thoughts and concerns about death. Buy from Amazon Fox & Goldfish Nils Pieters Fox knows that Goldfish is very unwell and is going to die. Before it’s too late he takes his friend on an epic adventure beyond the fishbowl. This story shows the importance of spending precious time with someone who is ill and doing things together whilst the ill person is still able to. This is important in building memories for a child, and for the person who is ill, of spending precious moments together. It would be particularly relevant and useful in preparing a child for the death of a special person in their lives. Buy from Amazon My Brother and Me Sarah Courtauld and Rebecca Cobb This picture books story deals with the issues around a sibling's serious illness, and stays in hospital, and how his brother copes with different emotions and feelings. Aimed at children aged 4-10 years. Buy from Child Bereavement UK Only one of me - A love letter from Dad Lisa Wells, Michelle Robinson and Tim Budgen Only One of Me - A love letter from Dad is a gentle and comforting book to share with a child when a father or father figure is not expected to live. Beautifully illustrated throughout, the book also includes an empty spread at the back for a family to share messages and a photo. Also available in Welsh. Buy from Graffeg Publishing Only one of me - A love letter from Mum Lisa Wells, Michelle Robinson and Tim Budgen Only One of Me - A love letter from Mum is a gentle and comforting book to share with a child when a mother or mother figure is not expected to live. Beautifully illustrated throughout, the book also includes an empty spread at the back for a family to share messages and a photo. Also available in Welsh. Buy from Graffeg Publishing Precious Time Lindsey Stukalov Stone This book helps children understand their feelings when a loved one is dying. The book is an interactive tool for adults to use as a guide to plan their own conversation or to be used in direct work with children. The book supports the child's mental health through an interactive, gentle and validating approach. Buy from Heart of Kent Hospice Standing on His Own Two Feet: A Diary of Dying Sue Grant Alexander had just begun his studies at university when he was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer. In this honest account, Alex’s mother traces the impact of the diagnosis on the whole family and outlines the issues that arose during diagnosis, treatment and terminal stages of her son’s illness. Includes an insight into how health care systems serve the terminally ill, the choices faced by families, and ways of providing the best possible care at home and maintaining the patient’s dignity until the end. Buy from Amazon The Secret C: Straight Talking About Cancer Julie Stokes Cancer in the family is hard for everyone. How can adults explain when they themselves are trying to come to terms with the implications of the diagnosis? This book offers simple, honest explanations of what cancer is and how it affects someone. It also gives short explanations of treatments such as radiotherapy. It will help adults to answer difficult questions children need to ask. Buy from Amazon What About Me? When Brothers and Sisters Get Sick Allan Peterkin When a child is seriously ill, siblings experience mixed emotions and hurt feelings, and wonder about the future. In this heartwarming story, the narrator, a confused young girl, expresses all of these concerns when her brother goes to the hospital for an extended stay. Buy from Amazon When your Mum or Dad has cancer Ann Couldrick and Graham Jeffrey A short book for younger children (7+) to teenage children. It has an introduction for parents but then explains cancer in a simple way children can relate to. It also covers many questions children ask, such as will the person die and what exactly happens, but tackles the answers with insight and honesty. Buy from Child Bereavement UK When Someone Has a Very Serious Illness: Children Can Learn to Cope with Loss and Change Marge Heegaard This book aims to help families communicate and evaluate a child’s understanding and feelings about family change while teaching basic concepts of illness and healthy coping skills. Buy from Amazon
When a parent has died Expand Am I Like My Daddy? Marcy Blesy Join seven-year-old Grace on her journey through coping with the loss of her father while learning about the different ways that people grieve the loss of a loved one. In the process of learning about who her father was through the eyes of others, she learns about who she is today because of her father’s personality and love. This story is based in the United States but relevant to all. Buy from Amazon I love you, Sunshine Addy Farmer and Darren Gate 'I love you, Sunshine' tells the story of how one dad dies by suicide and how it affects his eight year old daughter, Milly, and the rest of her family. It is a story of bereavement but it is also a story of love. It is intended as a way for all families bereaved by suicide to know that they are not alone; to build resilience through understanding; and to help take small steps forwards. The story has been informed and developed through conversations with bereaved parents and with feedback from bereavement support practitioners at Child Bereavement UK. The charity has provided the important parental guidance notes to go alongside Milly’s story. These notes also point the way to support networks for families bereaved by suicide. The book is intended for distribution and sale to bereavement charities, to school counsellors and to anybody who might find it a useful resource. Available from www.addyfarmer.com where 5% of sales will go to Child Bereavement UK. Is Daddy Coming Back in a Minute? Elke Barber & Alex Barber Alex is only three when his father has a heart attack. All on his own, Alex manages to get help but his beloved Daddy dies at the scene. Explains sudden death to pre-school children using words and illustrations they will understand. Buy from Amazon It's Okay to Feel Happy David Peart It’s Okay to Feel Happy is about a little girl who is finding it difficult to know if she can be excited, pleased or look forward to things now that her mummy has gone. Although she struggles with her loss, she soon learns that her mummy would want her to still enjoy her life. Buy from Amazon Mum’s Jumper Jayde Perkin If Mum has gone, how do you carry on? Missing her feels like a dark cloud that follows you around or like swimming to a shore that never comes any nearer. But memories are like a jumper that you can cuddle and wear. And Mum's jumper might be a way to keep her close. Buy from Amazon My Dad and Me Kirsten Rees and Emma Block. Created with input from two brothers supported by Child Bereavement UK. A lovely, downloadable, illustrated booklet in which children can write, draw, remember and talk about their memories of their dad. Free to download from Child Bereavement UK Ollie the Octopus and the Memory Treasures Dr Karen Treisman In a magical underwater forest lived a colourful and loveable Octopus called Ollie, who loved swimming with his friends and spending time with his mum and dad, Orla and Orson the Octopuses.Until one day, when Orla started to get very sick. The doctors did everything they could to help her, but very sadly, Orla died. Ollie had so many thoughts and feelings spinning around in his head, and his heart was hurting -- what can Orson and Ollie's friends do to help? Buy from Amazon Only one of me - A love letter from Dad Lisa Wells, Michelle Robinson and Tim Budgen Only One of Me - A love letter from Dad is a gentle and comforting book to share with a child when a father or father figure is not expected to live. Beautifully illustrated throughout, the book also includes an empty spread at the back for a family to share messages and a photo. Also available in Welsh. Buy from Graffeg Publishing Only one of me - A love letter from Mum Lisa Wells, Michelle Robinson and Tim Budgen Only One of Me - A love letter from Mum is a gentle and comforting book to share with a child when a mother or mother figure is not expected to live. Beautifully illustrated throughout, the book also includes an empty spread at the back for a family to share messages and a photo. Also available in Welsh. Buy from Graffeg Publishing Remembering Dianne Leutner, Joan Gorman and Daniel Postgate. Part book, part scrapbook Remembering was created to help keep a child’s memories alive after the loss of someone special and to give children a place to return to whenever they wish. Buy from Child Bereavement UK What Happened to Daddy’s Body? Elke Barber & Alex Barber Using ideas very young children can understand, this sequel to “Is Daddy Coming Back in a Minute?” sensitively and honestly explains what happens after death. It helps children to understand cremation, burial, and spreading the ashes. It reassures children that it is okay to be sad, but it’s also okay to be happy. Buy from Amazon When someone special dies - for under 7s Child Bereavement UK This leaflet has been prepared with the help of bereaved families. It aims to help children when they have been bereaved. Also essential for A&E, Intensive care units and professionals who support families. Download for free or buy from Child Bereavement UK When someone special dies - for ages 7 to 11 Child Bereavement UK This leaflet has been prepared with the help of bereaved families. It aims to help children when they have been bereaved. Also essential for A&E, Intensive care units and professionals who support families. Download for free or buy from Child Bereavement UK
Training Terms and Conditions Expand Please ensure that you have read and understood our training terms and conditions before booking on to any of our training. Online webinars – up to 1.5 hours All tickets to our webinars are non-refundable Each ticket is for one person's individual entry to the webinar. Out of courtesy to all our attendees, our aim is for courses to start on time. To reduce disruption, anyone who is more than 15 minutes late will not be admitted into the webinar. Due to the nature of our webinars please note that your audio and video will be disabled automatically but you will still be able to communicate with the trainer using the 'Chat' function in Zoom. Online interactive training sessions - 3 hours We will accept cancellation of bookings up to five working days before the course. However, no refund or credit will be given for bookings cancelled less than five days before the course, or for non-attendance. The refund will be for the course amount less the Eventbrite booking fee. Unless there are mitigating circumstances such as technical issues at our end, or we have agreed late admittance with you in advance, we are unable to admit latecomers if you are more than 10 minutes late as this can be disruptive for other participants and the trainer. Late attendance is classed as a cancellation and is non-refundable. Please check your Zoom access and IT settings in advance of the event to ensure you are longed in on time. Details about technical requirements for Zoom can be found on our training frequently asked questions. We cannot accept any responsibility for technical issues that are a result of your own access issues such as poor Wi-Fi or Zoom being blocked within your workplace, so please check in advance. Every person attending must have an individual ticket, even if colleagues are sharing a device. Each ticket is valid for one person's individual entry to the training. Certificates of attendance will be provided for each individual who attends and completes the full training. To ensure a mixed group of participants, a maximum of five individuals from the same organisation may attend any one training event, unless an exemption is agreed with a member of the training team. Study days and conferences We will accept cancellation of bookings for all conference/study days up to 21 days in advance; however, a £25 administration fee will be charged. No refund or credit will be given for bookings cancelled less than 21 days before the course or for non-attendance. All fees must be paid before the date of the course. For in-person sessions, we reserve the right to change the venue, but alternative venues will be in the local area and appropriate for the purposes of the training. Bespoke training All bespoke training agreed directly with an organisation will be confirmed in writing before the event and agreed by both parties. A 25% deposit may be invoiced prior to the event. This deposit will be returned in the unlikely event that Child Bereavement UK has to cancel the event but will not be refunded should the commissioning organisation cancel. Child Bereavement UK will work with the organisation to ensure that the dates are suitable, but it is the responsibility of the commissioning organisation to fill the course. In the event that there are fewer than six attendees, at the request of the commissioning organisation, we will work to find an alternative date whenever possible. Child Bereavement UK does not allow recording of training sessions. All training is carried out on the Child Bereavement UK Zoom platform or face to face, unless agreed otherwise. Cancellations by Child Bereavement UK In the unlikely event that it is necessary for Child Bereavement UK to cancel a course, notice will be given as soon as possible. Rescheduling options will be provided if possible or, if a refund is preferred, a full refund will be sent to the contact details provided upon registration. Child Bereavement UK is not responsible for any additional expenses incurred by individuals or organisations.
Islam Expand Beliefs about death and dying, and life after death Muslims believe in life after death when, on the Last Day, the dead will come back to life to be judged by Allah (God). Some will reside in Paradise, others in Hell. Rituals and customs around death and dying Ritual washing is usually performed by the family or close friends at the Mosque, funeral directors or cemetery. They will wrap the body in a clean cloth or shroud. Muslims are buried, not cremated, ideally within 24 hours of the death. The deceased is buried without a coffin. If this is not possible, a plain coffin is used. The grave is aligned to enable the body of the person who has died to be placed on its right side facing the holy city of Mecca. Muslim graves are usually unmarked but, to meet UK requirements, a simple headstone is used. Expressions of grief and the mourning period Muslims believe that death is a part of Allah’s plan; grief and sadness may be expressed as long as one does not begin to wail, lament or question the decision of Allah. There is an official mourning period of three days when the family will remain at home and be brought food by friends and relatives. People often confuse culture with religion. Islam actually encourages us to talk about our grief and share our emotions and experiences. However, in South Asian culture there are many barriers. Farhana, who is a volunteer with the Muslim Bereavement Support Service Support organisations Gardens of Peace - Bereavement support for men Muslim Bereavement Support Service - Non-profit organisation supporting bereaved Muslim women Lasting Post - Etiquette for a Muslim funeral Our grateful thanks for their input into this resource to: Mohammed Omer MBE, Gardens of Peace Visit our page: How we can support you for more on our services. You can also call our Helpline 0800 02 888 40, email [email protected], or use Live Chat on our website.
When a sibling has died Expand A Star for Bobby Helen Keenor A Star for Bobby talks directly to young children, using language and illustrations they can understand, about the death of a brother or sister, explaining why sometimes these things happen and how this may be making them feel. When the author’s baby son died shortly after birth, she wanted to explain to her two-year-old daughter what had happened in a way a little child could understand. Buy from Sands Always my Twin Valerie R. Samuels Always My Twin is for young children who have experienced the death of their twin sibling before birth, after birth or as a young child. The book tells the story through the eyes of a young girl whose twin sister dies shortly after birth. She begins her story with sharing the womb with her twin, the joy of her family anticipating the arrival of twins, the family’s pain of losing one of their precious babies, the funeral, and her own expressions of grief for her twin’s death. It also talks about ways she and her family remember her twin. Buy from Amazon Andrew’s Rainbow A book for children born into a family after the death of a sibling. Available from the Scottish Cot Death Trust Benny's Hat Juliet Clare Bell Benny’s Hat deals quietly with the huge subject of a sibling dying, from the viewpoint of the sister. It shows how children and young people might deal with serious illness and death differently to adults. The story gives adult readers examples of how to support children when a sibling is not expected to live, not only from the section for parents at the back, but also by watching Friz’s parents’ reactions to her behaviour. Buy from Amazon I Miss My Sister Sarah Courtauld Illustrated by Holly Surplice, this book is recommended for children aged 4-10 years old. The beautiful and expressive colour illustrations help to guide the child through the different emotions they may encounter following the death of a sibling, as well as the different categories of grief over a period of time. Awarded 'commended' in BMA Patient Information Awards 2010. Buy from Child Bereavement UK My Baby Big Sister: A Book for Children Born Subsequent to a Pregnancy Loss Cathy Blanford My Baby Big Sister was written for children who were born subsequent to a pregnancy loss or infant death. This book aims to help with the confusion these children often experience when they learn about the baby who died before them. This book does have some religious overtones at the start. Buy from Amazon My brother has died Dr Jennifer Kelly If your child has sadly had to face the death of their brother, then this booklet is designed to help you talk with your child about what has happened. It offers support in a simple that can help children as they adjust to life without their sibling. It can also be used as a basis to encourage discussion and to raise any questions they may have. It may also help them to voice their feelings. Free to download from Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust My sister has died Dr Jennifer Kelly If your child has sadly had to face the death of their sister, then this booklet is designed to help you talk with your child about what has happened. It offers support in a simple that can help children as they adjust to life without their sibling. It can also be used as a basis to encourage discussion and to raise any questions they may have. It may also help them to voice their feelings. Free to download from Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust Remembering Dianne Leutner, Joan Gorman and Daniel Postgate. Part book, part scrapbook Remembering was created to help keep a child’s memories alive after the loss of someone special and to give children a place to return to whenever they wish. Buy from Child Bereavement UK Remembering My Brother Ginny Perkins and Leon Morris In 1993, Chris Reed died. The author of this book worked with his family to put this book together which aims to show the importance of talking about grief and loss and remembering with love someone important who has died. It relates ordinary family events alongside an account of the family’s visit to Chris’s grave. Buy from Amazon Rory’s Star Lynda Bathgate This book has been written to help parents explain the death of their baby or child to their siblings. Available from the Scottish Cot Death Trust Stewart's Tree - A Book for Brothers and Sisters When a Baby Dies Shortly after Birth Cathy Campbell Ellen’s new baby brother Stewart has been “lost”. Ellen looks in all the cupboards for Stewart, and even in the washing machine – but then her family help her understand that Stewart has died and isn’t going to come back. Together they plant a tree for Stewart, so they will always have a place to remember him. This book for children aged 3+ helps explain sibling loss shortly after birth, and provides guidance for adults written by qualified clinicians. Buy from Amazon When someone special dies - for under 7s Child Bereavement UK This leaflet has been prepared with the help of bereaved families. It aims to help children when they have been bereaved. Also essential for A&E, Intensive care units and professionals who support families. Download for free or buy from Child Bereavement UK When someone special dies - for ages 7 to 11 Child Bereavement UK This leaflet has been prepared with the help of bereaved families. It aims to help children when they have been bereaved. Also essential for A&E, Intensive care units and professionals who support families. Download for free or buy from Child Bereavement UK Where are you Lydie? Emma Poore Warm and beautifully illustrated picture book for children about sibling loss and bereavement to support families through the grief of baby loss. Buy from Emma Poore
When someone is not expected to live (pre bereavement) Expand With the End in Mind: How to Live and Die Well Kathryn Mannix Told through a series of beautifully crafted stories taken from nearly four decades of clinical practice, her book answers the most intimate questions about the process of dying with touching honesty and humanity. She makes a compelling case for the therapeutic power of approaching death not with trepidation but with openness, clarity and understanding. Buy on Amazon
When a grandparent has died Expand Grandad’s Bench Addy Farmer This is a beautiful, sensitively told story of love and loss and of a special relationship between grandfather and grandson. Jake loves playing in Grandad’s workshop. One autumn day, Grandad teaches Jake how to chisel his name in a piece of wood, and afterwards they go to the park. Grandad shows Jake the tree that grew from an acorn he planted when he was a boy. Jake goes off to buy ice-creams and returns to find Grandad on the ground. The ambulance arrives. Mum and Jake go home without Grandad. Jake grieves for his grandfather all winter. But Grandad has left him his workshop and Jake wants to make something special. With Mum’s help, he does – a plaque for the bench under Grandad’s tree. It is spring; for the first time in months, Jake feels happy. Buy from Amazon Grandad's Ashes Walter Smith This beautifully illustrated picture book for children aged four to eight tells the story of four children who embark on an adventure to find their Grandad’s favourite place, they are faced with plenty of challenges on the way. Told with gentle humour, this is a charming story for children and an ideal resource for parents or professionals to read with a child as a way of broaching issues surrounding loss or bereavement. Buy from Amazon Granpa John Burningham Adorable Granpa gamely nurses his granddaughter’s dolls, eats her pretend strawberry-flavoured ice cream, takes her tobogganing in the snow, and falls in step with her imaginary plans to captain a ship to Africa like all good grandfathers should. Winner of the Kate Maschler Award, this poignant tale of friendship and loss is one children will long remember. Buy from Amazon My Grandma Died: A Child's Story about Grief and Loss Lory Britain A young child talks about the emotions felt after Grandma’s death. Includes a list entitled “Things I can do when someone I love dies.” Buy from Amazon Remembering Dianne Leutner, Joan Gorman and Daniel Postgate. Part book, part scrapbook Remembering was created to help keep a child’s memories alive after the loss of someone special and to give children a place to return to whenever they wish. Buy from Child Bereavement UK 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 someone special dies - for under 7s Child Bereavement UK This leaflet has been prepared with the help of bereaved families. It aims to help children when they have been bereaved. Also essential for A&E, Intensive care units and professionals who support families. Download for free or buy from Child Bereavement UK When someone special dies - for ages 7 to 11 Child Bereavement UK This leaflet has been prepared with the help of bereaved families. It aims to help children when they have been bereaved. Also essential for A&E, Intensive care units and professionals who support families. Download for free or buy from Child Bereavement UK
About death and grief Expand A Monster Calls Patrick Ness 12-year-old Conor O'Malley has a close bond with his seriously ill mother and maintains the household during her regular chemotherapy treatments at the hospital. His grandmother often visits, and suggests he come live with her in the event of his mother's death. One night, Conor is visited by a tree-like Monster at 12:07 AM which tells that he will tell three true stories to Conor; in return, the boy will tell his own story to the Monster about the truth behind his dreadful nightmare. A Monster Calls has also been adapted to film. Buy from Amazon A teenage guide to coping when someone dies (fold out A3 guide) This resource can be folded down to fit in a pocket. It contains practical advice and guidance for a young person managing confusing emotions when someone important in their life dies. Original text written by a young person whose father died. The text can also be found in our section For Young People - what helps to move forward. Buy from Child Bereavement UK Coping with grief when someone you love dies suddenly This free booklet aims to help you understand emotions and feelings commonly suffered after a sudden death. It provides straightforward advice on how to cope and who can help you to recover. Available to download from Sudden Letters from the Grief Club Beth French and Kate Moreton A book containing letters from a diverse group of bereaved young adults, written to themselves on the day their loved one died. The letters reflect on their immediate grief whilst offering advice and support to their current selves. The editors, Beth French and Kate Moreton, have experienced loss themselves, with Beth losing her mum, and Kate losing her dad at the young age of 17. Buy from Amazon Living with loss: a grief guide for young people This publication is written for adolescents, providing information, advice, and activities to support them when faced with the death of someone close to them.The booklet, 'What Happens Next: A Funeral Guide for Young People' accompanies this guide.Available to download from SeeSaw Michael Rosen's Sad Book Michael Rosen A very personal story that speaks to adults as well as children. The author describes feeling sad after the death of his son and what he does to try to cope with it. Buy from Amazon Sometimes Life Sucks: When someone you love dies Molly Carlile Teenagers experience loss in all kinds of ways. Whether it’s the death of a grandparent, pet or school friend, a teen fatality, a peer with terminal illness, living without a mum or dad, or the death of a celebrity. Like everyone else teenagers also struggle to come to terms with their shock and grief. Full of great tips, stories and gentle advice, Sometimes Life Sucks helps teens to navigate their personal experience of grief. Buy from Amazon We Get It Heather L. Servaty-Seib and David C. Fajgenbaum A unique collection of 33 narrative by bereaved students and young adults in America, this book aims to help young adults who are grieving and provide guidance for those who seek to support them. It has been described as like having a group in a book. Buy on Amazon When someone special dies - for young people Child Bereavement UK This leaflet has been prepared with the help of bereaved families. It aims to help children when they have been bereaved. Also essential for A&E, Intensive care units and professionals who support families. Download for free or buy from Child Bereavement UK You will be OK Julia Stokes In this honest, comforting and strength-building guide Julie Stokes, a clinical psychologist and founder of childhood bereavement charity Winston’s Wish, provides readers with the tools they need to navigate this tough and turbulent time. Packed with practical exercises, such as creating memory boxes and managing different kinds of memories using ‘memory stones’, this guide will give readers helpful ways to manage their grief so they can begin to move forward with life. Buy from Amazon
When a friend has died Expand The Hare-Shaped Hole John Dougherty Hertle and Bertle were always a pair, though one was a turtle and one was a hare. They were utterly buddies, and best friends forever and whenever you looked, you would find them together until quite unexpectedly, the end came.When Hertle disappears for good, Bertle can only see a Hertle-shaped hole where his friend should be. He pleads with it, get angry with it, but the hole still won't bring his Hertle back. It seems like hope is lost, until Gerda the kindly bear finds him. She explains that he must fill the hole with his memories of Hertle. And slowly Bertle begins to feel a little bit better. Buy from Amazon Isaac and the Red Jumper Amanda Seyderhelm Isaac is heartbroken when his best friend Freddie dies. His house freezes. And his red jumper turns grey with grief. His friends try to console him, and it’s only after Isaac receives a special visit from Freddie that he understands love and friendship last forever, and are alive in spirit. Buy from Amazon My friend has died Dr Jennifer Kelly If your child has sadly had to face the death of a friend, then this booklet is designed to help you talk with your child about what has happened. It offers support in a simple that can help children as they adjust to life without their friend. It can also be used as a basis to encourage discussion and to raise any questions they may have. It may also help them to voice their feelings. Free to download from Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust Remembering Dianne Leutner, Joan Gorman and Daniel Postgate. Part book, part scrapbook Remembering was created to help keep a child’s memories alive after the loss of someone special and to give children a place to return to whenever they wish. Buy from Child Bereavement UK 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 When someone special dies - for under 7s Child Bereavement UK This leaflet has been prepared with the help of bereaved families. It aims to help children when they have been bereaved. Also essential for A&E, Intensive care units and professionals who support families. Download for free or buy from Child Bereavement UK When someone special dies - for ages 7 to 11 Child Bereavement UK This leaflet has been prepared with the help of bereaved families. It aims to help children when they have been bereaved. Also essential for A&E, Intensive care units and professionals who support families. Download for free or buy from Child Bereavement UK
Activity books and resources to support bereaved 11 - 18-year-olds Expand 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 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 Talking About Death: A Dialogue Between Parent and Child Earl Grollman This guide to helping children cope with death includes an illustrated, read-along story, and discusses coping with a child’s anger, denial or guilt, and how to discuss funerals, cemeteries and grief. 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 When your partner dies: Supporting your children Child Bereavement UK A short booklet which offers guidance for a surviving partner when parenting their bereaved children as well as coping with their own grief. It was developed with help from bereaved families and was originally funded by BBC Children in Need. Also useful for GP surgeries, Health visitors etc. Download a copy here 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
Special educational needs Expand 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 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 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 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 Somebody Dies Hollins and Sireling Using pictures, the book tells the story of Mary who is very upset when someone she loves dies. She is encouraged by a friend to go to regular bereavement counselling sessions, which help her to feel less sad. John also loses someone he is close to. He is given comfort and companionship by friends and is shown learning to cope better with life. Suitable for young people and adults with a learning disability. Buy from Books Beyond Words
When someone is not expected to live (pre-bereavement) Expand As Big as it Gets Julie Stokes and Diana Crossley This booklet aims to help families cope with the serious illness of a parent or child. It provides a range of ideas for parents and carers so that they may feel more able to explain to their children what is happening. The booklet also includes some suggestions about what parents might say to children and how to offer support.Buy from Winston's Wish Dancing At The Pity Party Tyler Feder Part poignant cancer memoir and part humorous reflection on a motherless life, this debut graphic novel is extraordinarily comforting and engaging. From before her mother's first oncology appointment through the stages of her cancer to the funeral, sitting shiva, and afterward, when she must try to make sense of her life as a motherless daughter, Tyler Feder tells her story in this graphic novel that is full of piercing-but also often funny-details. She shares the important post-death firsts, such as celebrating holidays without her mom, the utter despair of cleaning out her mom's closet, ending old traditions and starting new ones, and the sting of having the "I've got to tell Mom about this" instinct and not being able to act on it. This memoir, bracingly candid and sweetly humorous, is for anyone struggling with loss who just wants someone to get it. Buy from Amazon My Parent Has Cancer and it Really Sucks Marc and Maya Silver This book provides real-life advice from real-life teens designed to help teens live with a parent who is fighting cancer. This book gives practical guidance that includes: How to talk about the diagnosis (and what does diagnosis even mean, anyway?) The best outlets for stress (punching a wall is not a great one, but should it happen, there are instructions for a patch job) How to deal with friends (especially one the ones with 'pity eyes') Whether to tell the teachers and what they should know (how not to get embarrassed in class) What happens in a therapy session and how to find a support group if you want one. Buy from Amazon When your Mum or Dad has cancer Ann Couldrick and Graham Jeffrey A short book for younger children (7+) to teenage children. It has an introduction for parents but then explains cancer in a simple way children can relate to. It also covers many questions children ask, such as will the person die and what exactly happens, but tackles the answers with insight and honesty. Buy from Child Bereavement UK
When a parent has died Expand Dancing At The Pity Party Tyler Feder Part poignant cancer memoir and part humorous reflection on a motherless life, this debut graphic novel is extraordinarily comforting and engaging. From before her mother's first oncology appointment through the stages of her cancer to the funeral, sitting shiva, and afterward, when she must try to make sense of her life as a motherless daughter, Tyler Feder tells her story in this graphic novel that is full of piercing-but also often funny-details. She shares the important post-death firsts, such as celebrating holidays without her mom, the utter despair of cleaning out her mom's closet, ending old traditions and starting new ones, and the sting of having the "I've got to tell Mom about this" instinct and not being able to act on it. This memoir, bracingly candid and sweetly humorous, is for anyone struggling with loss who just wants someone to get it. Buy from Amazon How To Make Friends With The Dark Kathleen Glasgow It's always been Tiger and her mother against the world. Then, on a day like any other, Tiger's mother dies. Now it's Tiger, alone. And she must learn to make friends with the dark.Buy from Amazon Rory’s Story Anna Jacobs Rory is an adolescent boy who is struggling with the loss of his mother. Confused and bullied at school, he attempts to run away and finally returns to face his feelings. This therapeutic story is a gritty, readable story that teenagers will relate to; it explores the teenage experience of loss and bereavement; it can be used to support young people who have experienced loss; it can help teenagers understand the needs of their peers when loss occurs; it has notes for discussion on the themes of each chapter. This story can be used in conjunction with the practical workbook 'Supporting Teenagers through Grief & Loss'. This useful tool which will help teachers, therapists and carers to support and understand the needs of adolescents facing loss. Buy from Amazon Still Here with Me: Teenagers and Children on Losing a Parent Suzanne Sjoqvist This book is a moving and thoughtful anthology of the experiences of thirty children and teenagers who have lost a parent. In their own words, children and young people of a variety of ages talk openly and honestly about losing their mother or father. They describe feelings of pain, loss and anger, the struggle to cope with the embarrassed reactions and silence of others, and the difficulties involved in rebuilding their lives. They also share happy and loving memories of their parents, and talk about the importance of remembering while learning to accept their parent’s deaths. Buy from Amazon
When a sibling has died Expand A Manual for Heartache Cathy Rentzenbrink When Cathy was still a teenager, her happy family was torn apart after an accident. In A Manual for Heartache she describes how she learnt to live with grief and loss and find joy in the world again. She explores how to cope with life at its most difficult and overwhelming and how we can emerge from suffering forever changed, but filled with hope. It is a moving, warm and uplifting book that offers solidarity and comfort to anyone going through a painful time, whatever it might be. It's a book that will help to soothe an aching heart and assure its readers that they're not alone. Buy from Amazon Love Letters to the Dead Ava Dellaira It begins as an assignment for English class: Write a letter to a dead person. Laurel chooses Kurt Cobain because her sister, May, loved him. And he died young, just like May did. Soon, Laurel has a notebook full of letters to people like Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse, Amelia Earhart, Heath Ledger, and more - though she never gives a single one of them to her teacher. She writes about starting high school, navigating new friendships, falling in love for the first time, learning to live with her splintering family. And, finally, about the abuse she suffered while May was supposed to be looking out for her. Only then, once Laurel has written down the truth about what happened to herself, can she truly begin to accept what happened to May. And only when Laurel has begun to see her sister as the person she was, lovely and amazing and deeply flawed, can she begin to discover her own path. Buy from Amazon The Death and Life of Charlie St Cloud Ben Sherwood As a boy, Charlie St Cloud narrowly survived a car crash that killed Sam, his little brother. Years later, still unable to recover from his loss, Charlie has taken a job tending to the lawns and monuments in the New England cemetery where Sam is buried. When he meets Tess Carroll, a captivating, adventurous woman in training for a solo sailing trip around the globe, they discover a beautiful and uncommon connection that, after a violent storm at sea, eventually forces them to choose between death and life, past and present, holding on and letting go. This was also adapted into a film, starring Zac Efron. Buy from Amazon The Last Act of Love Cathy Rentzenbrink The Last Act of Love is a book about Cathy's own relationship with her brother, Matty. In 1990, when Matty was just weeks away from getting his GCSE results, he was in a hit and run accident and left in a permanent vegetative state. This book is the love that came before this event and what happens in the aftermath of tragedy. Buy from Amazon The Sky is Everywhere Jandy Nelson Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. It tells the story of an American high school girl, Lennie Walker, struggling to cope with the sudden death of her older sister. Lennie becomes romantically involved both with her sister's former fiancé, who shares Lennie's grief and loss, and with a new boy in town, who shares Lennie's love of music. Ultimately, Lennie must choose between the two relationships. This book has also been adapted to film. Buy from Amazon
When a grandparent has died Expand Coco Aspiring musician Miguel, confronted with his family's ancestral ban on music, enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer. Film: Coco The Farewell A headstrong Chinese-American woman returns to China when her beloved grandmother is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Billi struggles with her family's decision to keep grandma in the dark about her own illness as they all stage an impromptu wedding to see grandma one last time. Film: The Farewell The Loose Ends List Carrie Firestone As Maddie readies herself for college, she learns of her grandmother's terminal cancer. Gram is taking charge of her final days by taking the family on a farewell cruise. Despite the extravagance, Maddie can't seem to come to grips with losing such a significant person in her life. This would also be relevant for pre-bereavement. Buy from Amazon
When a friend has died Expand Bridge to Terabithia Katherine Paterson Jess Aarons wants to be the fastest boy in the class, but when a girl named Leslie Burke moves into the neighbouring farm his life changes forever. Even though she runs faster than him, Jess begins to think Leslie might be okay - she's clever and funny and not a bit soppy. And it is Leslie who invents Terabithia, the secret country on an island across the creek where he can escape his troublesome family. The only way to reach Terabithia is by rope-swing where Jess and Leslie become King and Queen, defeating giants, sharing stories and dreams, and plotting against their enemies. They are invincible - until tragedy strikes. It is more dreadful than anything Jess had ever dreamed of, but as he struggles to cope with his grief and anger, he finds that his family value him more than he'd thought and that, still King, he could even save Terabithia for the future. Bridge to Terabithia has also been adapted into a film. Buy on Amazon The Fault in Our Stars John Green The Fault In Our Stars is about a young teenage girl who has been diagnosed with lung cancer and attends a cancer support group. Hazel is 16 and is reluctant to go to the support group, but she soon realises that it was a good idea, befriending another young person there. The Fault in Our Stars has also been adapted into a film. Buy from Amazon Vicky Angel Jacqueline Wilson Jade is used to living in the shadow of her best friend, Vicky. Vicky's sparkly, hilarious and full of life. And, she's certainly not going to let a small thing like being dead stop her from living life to the full. But as Jade attempts to move on, Vicky is determined to make her presence felt. Vicky Angel is a heart-warming and hilarious read that explores grief, guilt and confidence. A moving story that young readers will adore. Buy from Amazon When a Friend Dies: A book for teens about grieving and healing Marilyn E Gootman When a Friend Dies offers sensitive advice and genuine understanding for teens coping with grief and loss. The death of a friend is a wrenching event for anyone at any age and can spark feelings that range from sadness to guilt to anxiety. Teenagers especially need help coping with grief and loss. This sensitive book answers questions grieving teens often have, like How should I be acting? How long will this last? and What if I can’t handle my grief on my own? The book also addresses the complicated emotions that can accompany the death of an acquaintance, as opposed to a close friend. Buy from Amazon
Special educational needs Expand 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 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 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 Somebody Dies Hollins and Sireling Using pictures, the book tells the story of Mary who is very upset when someone she loves dies. She is encouraged by a friend to go to regular bereavement counselling sessions, which help her to feel less sad. John also loses someone he is close to. He is given comfort and companionship by friends and is shown learning to cope better with life. Suitable for young people and adults with a learning disability. Buy from Books Beyond Words
Festival and Event Volunteer Various dates | Nationwide opportunities Expand We have a range of upcoming festivals and events for which we are seeking friendly, confident and approachable people to volunteer their support. Volunteers work for timed shifts and perform a variety of jobs on the day in aid of Child Bereavement UK, details of volunteer roles can be found on individual events pages.In return our volunteers are able to enjoy the rest of the event for free! Volunteers will be fully briefed and supported both before and during the event by Child Bereavement UK staff. Volunteer requirements We are looking for reliable people who have a friendly and approachable personality who are confident working with the general public. Volunteers should be confident with basic technology, such as using a card machine, please note that training will be provided on the day as needed. Volunteers must be aged over 18 years. At some of the events, children are able to join a volunteering adult. This will be clearly detailed on the specific festival pages and when applying for roles. What you’ll get out of the experience Free entry to the event Opportunity to meet new people Priority access to other volunteering positions across the charity Being part of raising funds to help Child Bereavement UK support families and children to rebuild their lives following bereavement. Your team Fundraising team Festival goers Other volunteers Apply on our portal Volunteers help to make our vital work possible Equality and diversityThe Charity is committed to creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere for everyone, and one that challenges all forms of oppression or discrimination including those based on age, gender or gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity leave, disability, race (which includes nationality, citizenship, ethnic or national origins), religion/faith or belief, sexual orientation (collectively known in law as the ‘protected characteristics’), as well as any oppression or discrimination based on other physical characteristics or impairments, occupation, income, wealth, or unrelated criminal convictions. We encourage diversity and equality in all our volunteer roles. If you have a disability or additional need and would like to discuss this with us prior to signing up, please email: [email protected] to see how we can support you. SafeguardingSafeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. By volunteering with us you are agreeing to support a safe environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We ask you to be vigilant when you volunteer with us and report any concerns directly to members of Child Bereavement UK staff. You will be briefed on the safeguards in place for your specific role during the volunteer briefing. For more information or to read our safeguarding policy, please email: [email protected]. Terms and conditionsThe description outlines some of the duties and activities you may undertake in this role. Occasionally, you may be asked take on other duties if needed and your volunteer manager will discuss this with you.
Join or form a Volunteer Fundraising Group Flexible dates, locations and volunteering time Expand Volunteer fundraising groups are a way for Child Bereavement UK supporters to come together and raise funds in aid of the charity. Fundraising groups can be formed by an individual with friends and family members or you can join an existing group. All groups require a minimum of three members. Groups meet at times and locations to suit group members and decide between them how they will fundraise. Groups will be supported by a Child Bereavement UK Volunteer Co-ordinator who will help the group become established and decide on group roles. This will include providing fundraising materials and merchandise such as collection buckets and wristbands, information about the charity, and ideas on how to make the most out of the group’s fundraising activities. Volunteer groups are an excellent way to collaborate with people in your area and utilise any ideas and skills you may have. BasedUK-wide opportunities DepartmentFundraising TermsVolunteers will be supported by a Child Bereavement UK Volunteer Co-ordinator to introduce new volunteers to the group. Group meetings and light training will be offered to help establish or support a group. Volunteer fundraising groups are encouraged to hold two or more events a year which will require volunteers to meet and communicate on an ad hoc basis. Groups run by volunteers will follow Child Bereavement UK's fundraising procedures and UK fundraising legislation, as communicated and supported by a Child Bereavement UK Volunteer Coordinator. Essential skills Team player Friendly and approachable with good communication skills Organised and dedicated Support given Volunteer T-shirts Resources for events Staff guidance and support along the way Support of other group members What you’ll get out of the experience Meet other local volunteers with similar interests and make new friends Be able to implement your own ideas and use creative thinking Develop your event planning, fundraising, communication, and team building skills Raising funds to help enable Child Bereavement UK to support children and families to rebuild their lives following bereavement Key working relationships Other volunteer group members Child Bereavement UK Volunteer Coordinator Fundraising department Local community Apply to join or form a volunteer fundraising group Equality and diversityThe Charity is committed to creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere for everyone, and one that challenges all forms of oppression or discrimination including those based on age, gender or gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity leave, disability, race (which includes nationality, citizenship, ethnic or national origins), religion/faith or belief, sexual orientation (collectively known in law as the ‘protected characteristics’), as well as any oppression or discrimination based on other physical characteristics or impairments, occupation, income, wealth, or unrelated criminal convictions. We encourage diversity and equality in all our volunteer roles. If you have a disability or additional need and would like to discuss this with us prior to signing up, please email: [email protected] to see how we can support you. SafeguardingSafeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. By volunteering with us you are agreeing to support a safe environment for children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We ask you to be vigilant when you volunteer with us and report any concerns directly to members of Child Bereavement UK staff. You will be briefed on the safeguards in place for your specific role during the volunteer briefing. For more information or to read our safeguarding policy, please email: [email protected]. Terms and conditionsThe description outlines some of the duties and activities you may undertake in this role. Occasionally, you may be asked take on other duties if needed and your volunteer manager will discuss this with you.