 The death of a relative can turn a family’s
world upside down. Just like adults, children and young people who have lost a loved one may find themselves
struggling with a powerful range of confusing and conflicting emotions.
Each
family will be affected differently and will deal with the impact of the death in their own way. There is no one right way
to grieve but having the opportunity to express grief is important and this is true for children and young people too.
Talking as a family about what has happened and about the person who has died are important steps towards coping with
the death of a family member.
Sometimes, though, at a time when an adult is
experiencing their own grief, it can seem overwhelming to offer support to a child or children. Sometimes
too, children and young people find it difficult to talk openly about their feelings to the adults in their lives, often because
they don’t want to upset those adults further.
Children and young people react to a death
in the family in a range of ways. These may include problems with sleeping, not wanting to attend school
or finding it difficult to concentrate in class, problems with anger and anxiety, a lack of interest in previous enthusiasms,
not talking about the person who has died, appearing withdrawn, lack of appetite or over-eating.
With support and information, young people can be helped to understand what has happened and can slowly learn
to live with their loss. Over time the reactions described above will usually slowly improve.
However, if they persist and cause ongoing concern, then it may be best to get some help. The Treetops
Families Practitioner can offer advice, information and support.
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Who offers
the support?
The service is managed by Penny Lockwood, the Families Practitioner, who is a qualified Social Worker
with a counselling skills qualification. The support is provided by Penny and three qualified counsellors who volunteer
for the service.
How
do I access support?
Telephone Penny Lockwood on 0115 949 7354 and she will arrange a time when she can visit
your home to meet with you, your child or children and any other family members you want to be there. Referrals will
also be accepted from professionals who might be working with you or your child.
What support is available?
Support to the family can include: - individual sessions with children and young people to help them express/explore their grief and any related
problems
- family sessions which often focus on sharing
difficult emotions and helping family members communicate with each other
- separate support
to parents/carers to help them with understanding and responding to their children’s
grief
For how long can I receive this support?
The service is available for as long as it is needed.
The support can be ended at any time and can be started again at any stage in the future should the need arise.
When can I ask for support?
Whenever you wish - there is no
time limit, and you can ask for support for a child weeks, months or years following the death of a loved-one. Often
concerns about how a child is coping with a loss arise some time after the death.
How much does it cost?
There are no charges for this service but any donations are gratefully appreciated and help
make it possible for others to receive support in the future.
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