How do I explain a funeral to a young child

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Ollie

Ollie was supported by Child Bereavement UK after his mum died from alcohol misuse when Ollie was eight.
Bereavement Support Practitioner (Maternity Cover)

We are looking to recruit a Part-time Bereavement Support Practitioner (Maternity Cover).
Brighton Marathon 2023

Brighton
“Grief is an invisible wound”

Julia Samuel, Founder Patron of Child Bereavement UK, explains why people grieve differently and how friends and relatives can help.

Ollie

Ollie was supported by Child Bereavement UK after his mum died from alcohol misuse when Ollie was eight.
Brighton Marathon 2023

Brighton
“Grief is an invisible wound”

Julia Samuel, Founder Patron of Child Bereavement UK, explains why people grieve differently and how friends and relatives can help.
Lawrence

Lawrence explains why he's supporting Child Bereavement UK by taking part in the Monte Carlo or Bust Black Forest Rally.
Cath

Cath explains why she’s taking on the 'Big Steps For Small Feet - Snowdon Climb' in aid of Child Bereavement UK this July, alongside supporters of other child bereavement charities.
Mother's Day Sound Clips

Sound clips from young people talking about Mother's Day.
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Mote Park | Maidstone | Kent
Let's Rock Northern Ireland

Ireland Ward Park | Bangor | County Down

Telling a child that someone has died

It is important to tell a child of any age when someone important in their lives has died, and ideally this is done by someone who is closest to them.
Supporting bereaved children and young people

Children and young people grieve just as much as adults but they show it in different ways. Find out how you can help them and more about child grieving.
When a grandparent dies - the impact on children and young people

The death of a grandparent is often a child or young person’s first encounter with the death of someone important. Parents have a great deal to manage when their own parent or carer dies. There is the grief associated with their own loss, but also the reactions and responses of their children to the death of a grandparent.
Grieving for a child of any age

The agony of losing a child of any age is unparalleled. There is no age or point in time that makes it any easier. No parent expects to face the death of their child and no grandparent expects to lose their grandchild.
Grief and bereavement in Gypsy and Traveller families

Death and bereavement are experiences common to most of us and few of us go through life without experiencing the death of someone close. Each situation is unique and how we respond to such a death is very individual.
Children's understanding of death at different ages

Babies and young children have no understanding of the concept of death yet, long before they are able to talk, babies are likely to react to upset and changes in their environment brought about by the absence of a significant person.
Child Bereavement UK training

Child Bereavement UK designs and delivers training for professionals in health and social care, education, and the voluntary and corporate sectors, equipping them to provide the best possible care to bereaved families.
Contact us

Contact one of the Child Bereavement UK centres or get in touch with one of our departments.
Books and resources for children and young people

This list includes books and resources for bereaved children and young people, including those with special educational or additional needs.
Explaining funerals, burial and cremation to children

The following are suggestions to give you the confidence to talk about funerals in a way that feels right for you and your children.

Short guidance films

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

Books and resources

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

Others' experiences

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