
Support for children and young people
While parents are dealing with their own grief after the bereavement they are also trying to help their children, so they need to know about the various organisations that may be able to help and in what ways. Young children may deal with grief differently from adults. Quite commonly a child may switch from being very upset to wanting to go out to play as though nothing has happened. A traumatic death in the family can deeply affect young people and some become depressed themselves.
Bereavement counselling may be sought for children although some parents, like Sally, felt they could support the children themselves. When Matthew’s brother was killed in the Bali bombing the nieces and nephews, including a godson, were supported within their close family environment.
- Age at interview:
- 39
- Sex:
- Female
- Background:
- Sally is a Chef. She has a partner and has 3 children. Ethnic background/nationality' White British.
- Age at interview:
- 43
- Sex:
- Male
- Background:
- Martin is a Househusband (ex-warehouse manager). He is a widower and has 2 children. Ethnic background/nationality' White British.
Terri recalled that after her son was murdered, her young daughters, who were aged four and eight at the time, were ‘completely traumatised’. The police family liaison officers arranged for some private counselling. Six years later, when Terri’s eldest daughter was 14, she had more counselling through the NHS.
- Age at interview:
- 43
- Sex:
- Female
- Background:
- Terri is a Health professional. She is married and has 3 children and 1 who died. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
- Age at interview:
- 57
- Sex:
- Male
- Background:
- Ann was in business (now retired). She has 3 children (1 murdered). Ethnic background/nationality: White British
- Age at interview:
- 43
- Sex:
- Female
- Background:
- Terri is a Health professional. She is married and has 3 children and 1 who died. Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
- Age at interview:
- 48
- Sex:
- Male
- Background:
- William is a Health and Safety advisor, for the fire service. He has 2 children (1 died). Ethnic background/nationality: White British.
People also found support for their children through local children’s bereavement organisations. A national network of such organisations is accessible via The Childhood Bereavement Network.
- Age at interview:
- 37
- Sex:
- Female
- Background:
- Alison is self-employed. She is single and has 4 children (2 died). Ethnic background/nationality: White British
Last reviewed May 2019.