What we do

The Children’s Bereavement Centre is run by a committed team of friendly, supportive and professional people who are passionate about helping children and young people to cope with the grieving process brought on by the death or terminal illness diagnosis that has a prognosis of a year or less for survival of someone close.

Although it is a natural part of life, the loss of someone close can be a distressing and overwhelming experience, especially for children and young people.

The Centre is open to children aged 3 to 18 and we offer a welcoming and safe environment for them and their families to receive the help and guidance they need at one of the most devastating times in their lives.

It’s really easy to refer to our services which are offered completely free of charge.

"Amazing place.  The staff make the service amazing and know exactly what is needed and how to support a family when everything has collapsed under them.  Wonderful."   

100% of families the Children's Bereavement Centre have evaluated have seen an improvement following face-to-face and/or group support.

All of the children and young people we work with have experienced trauma due to the death or terminal illness of someone important to them. The death can be caused by many things, including accident, illness, suicide, murder or manslaughter.

As a result of a bereavement children are more likely to;

• have behavioural problems
• change schools or be excluded
• have lack of concentration
• avoid participating in clubs
• have difficulty making friends
• struggle with anxiety, anger, drinking and/or use of substances

Bereaved children are extremely vulnerable to mental health disorders as they may be confused and upset by what they are feeling but unable to identify or understand why.

Alongside children and families, we undertake assessments to monitor changes and outcomes.  Every child and young person is different and the reasons they need support vary.  Some have significant changes in their behaviour and others may have one challenge such as dealing with anger or not sleeping.  In the past year, 100% of families the Children's Bereavement Centre have evaluated have seen an improvement following face-to-face and/or group support.

The death or serious illness of someone close can have a devastating effect on a child or young person. 

Providing appropriate timely support, empowering children and young people to manage their feelings with the long-term support of their parents/carers, reducing isolation and providing a safe and confidential environment where they are listened to and taken seriously, can reduce the effects of trauma and anxiety, increase emotional well-being and stop or reduce mental health issues later in childhood or adulthood.

"Absolutely amazing service. My son responded really well to the sessions and has more understanding of his emotions and how to process them. It has been so nice for him to have a safe and private place for him to come to."