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Original poster

What help and support is out there for children who have lost a parent?

29 replies

0scilla · 09/12/2023 22:05

I've tried Cruze and can never get through. Referred to Winston's wish but it's been three weeks. Any other ideas?

OP posts:
Original poster
0scilla · 09/12/2023 22:05

Sorry posting in here for traffic

OP posts:
SkaneTos · 09/12/2023 22:10

My condolences.

Does the child/family belong to a religious community?
Most/many religious communities offers support to people who have lost someone.

I hope you will find something.

BearPear · 09/12/2023 22:11

The support line at MacMillan will have information that might be useful.

Original poster
0scilla · 09/12/2023 22:17

Not religious. They really need someone to talk to about this

OP posts:
Original poster
0scilla · 09/12/2023 22:18

BearPear · 09/12/2023 22:11

The support line at MacMillan will have information that might be useful.

Oh okay. Even though nothing to do with cancer?

OP posts:
notapizzaeater · 09/12/2023 22:19

My DS had counselling at his college and Our local hospice have counselling. Can these help ?

HedgehogB · 09/12/2023 22:19

Try Child Bereavement uk. Also both Winstons wish and Cb Uk have live chat functions which might fill a tiny gap whilst you wait . Sorry this has happened to you x

sonrisa · 09/12/2023 22:31

Condolences OP. You are doing the right thing. Yesterday was the day DH's lost his mum aged 11 many years ago, needless to say he had to navigate his grief on his own.
We were talking about how much better mental health provisions must be now for children in this situation. So very sad to hear that support is still so difficult to access.
Is there any opportunity to see a psychologist privately?

TimeIhadaNameChange · 09/12/2023 22:35

Speak to the school. They should be able to help signpost you in the right direction.

BearPear · 10/12/2023 15:11

It’s worth a call, they will be quiet on a Sunday afternoon. The support staff are incredible at what they do and I’m sure if you asked about bereavement support for children they would be able to signpost you to somewhere. Sending my condolences, it is a very hard situation to navigate.

feellikeanalien · 10/12/2023 15:14

Second the poster advising to speak to the school. DP died three years ago and DD has never really processed it properly (she has SN). One of the TA's at school who has had ELSA training is currently doing one to one sessions with her and although she does find them upsetting she doesn't want to stop doing them.

feellikeanalien · 10/12/2023 15:16

Another possibility is if you have any hospices in the area. We had help from our local hospice at home when DP was ill and they offered counselling for children who had been affected.

squeekychicken · 10/12/2023 15:28

I'm so sorry to hear this. How old are the children? Schools often have counsellors, or the school will know about any local charities/ services that they could refer on to.
Like others have said child bereavement uk would be a good option.

Jakartaaaaa · 10/12/2023 15:30

For an immediate response definitely school. But also try the doctors, they can refer to CAHMS who may fund a more in-depth programme. My kids had support from a charity called CHUMS who are based in Bedfordshire, and the programme they have is brilliant - as well as support for me in terms of managing emotions. It was through a CAHMS referral. It's a long road and they'll need different support and different times.
Hope you're doing ok.

Comedycook · 10/12/2023 15:30

At my dcs school there was a counselling service which I know a child who had lost her mum attended. I'd approach the school.

MindatWork · 10/12/2023 15:32

Whereabouts are you in the uk op? If you’re in the southeast there’s a fantastic charity called Holding on Letting go which specialises in exactly your situation x

Sapphire387 · 10/12/2023 15:38

We found the best support was through school. Hope you find something helpful. All the best x

gotomomo · 10/12/2023 15:43

Look on the child bereavement network, there are charities across the country who offer bereavement counselling but be aware that they may take a while for a space to become available plus studies show it's more beneficial a weeks/months later than straight away.

AnnaMagnani · 10/12/2023 15:46

There are often local child bereavement support charities. Worth Googling the name of your county/city + child bereavement as there may be a local organization.

Winston's Wish is the most famous but there are lots of different providers in this area.

hnwis · 10/12/2023 15:50

The good grief trust signposts to all bereavement charities - take a look there xx

AlbaAurora · 10/12/2023 15:58

Child Bereavement UK

OneFrenchEgg · 10/12/2023 18:20

MindatWork · 10/12/2023 15:32

Whereabouts are you in the uk op? If you’re in the southeast there’s a fantastic charity called Holding on Letting go which specialises in exactly your situation x

Just came to say this

Original poster
0scilla · 11/12/2023 06:55

Thanks so much for all the suggestions . We are in the South East so will check that out

OP posts:
OneMoreStepAlongTheRoadIGo · 11/12/2023 06:58

Please do talk to school. They will have access to all sorts of other support.

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