Tips for supporting children dealing with grief

This downloadable poster identifies seven steps for staff supporting children and young people who are experiencing grief. These are:

• Understand what grief is
• Meet the child where they are
• Explain clearly what death is
• Be prepared for questions
• Find ways to remember them
• Encourage coping strategies
• Reach out for support.

It also signposts to external organisations for further support, such as the Samaritans and Winston’s Wish.

The guide acknowledges differences and diversity, recognising that grief will look different in every child. This is looked at in more detail under the second tip, ‘meet the child where they are’, which highlights the importance of the child’s religious or community beliefs.

It is noted on the poster that the content was informed by an expert at The National College who is also a member of the advisory group for the Department for Education.

Using this resource

This resource is designed for:

• use by mental health leads working with students aged 5 to 19+.

Learning outcomes

This resource addresses the following learning outcomes:

• Share simple evidence-based strategies and exercises with staff and pupils/students to help them manage their mental health and develop their own coping strategies.