Bereavement Support for Children and Young People

Children and teenagers can move in and out of grief very quickly. They may appear fine one moment and be overwhelmed the next. These services provide age-appropriate help for bereaved children and young people, as well as guidance for parents, carers and schools.

Northern Ireland Ages 4 to 18 Barnardo’s Child Bereavement Service
Specialist support for children and young people, together with their parents or carers, following difficult or traumatic bereavements. Check referral criteria.
UK and Northern Ireland Young people Hope Again
Cruse’s website for bereaved children and young people, with personal experiences, videos and information about grief.
UK and Northern Ireland Up to age 25 Child Bereavement UK
Support and information for bereaved children, young people, parents, families and the professionals helping them.
UK and Northern Ireland Children and families Winston’s Wish
Resources and support for grieving children and young people. Winston’s Wish is now part of Child Bereavement UK.
UK Children and families Grief Encounter
Information, activities and support for bereaved children, young people and families. Check which direct services are available in Northern Ireland.
UK Directory and guidance Childhood Bereavement Network
Guidance for families, schools and professionals, together with information about finding local support.
UK Sibling loss Sibling Support
Resources created for young people after the death of a brother or sister.
UK Memory making Bodie’s Treasured Memory Bags
Memory-making resources for children and families following bereavement.
Northern Ireland Cancer Cancer Fund for Children
Support for children and families affected by cancer, including bereavement support in relevant circumstances.
North WestAges 4 to 18 Foyle Hospice Healing Hearts
Free support for children and young people following the death of someone important, regardless of the cause of death or a previous hospice connection.
Northern IrelandParents and carers Parentline NI
A listening and support service for parents and carers facing family difficulties, including helping a child through bereavement.
Under 19 Confidential helpline Childline
Free confidential support for children and young people at any time.
Under 25 Emotional support The Mix
Emotional and practical support for young people, including support with grief and mental health.
All-Ireland Suicide bereavement Safe Harbour
Resources for children and families following a death by suicide.
Northern IrelandGuide for adults Bereaved NI: Supporting Children and Young People
Official guidance for parents and carers supporting a bereaved child or young person.

Know of a useful resource?

If you know of a useful website, organisation or service that should be included, please contact me with the details. I’ll review your suggestion and, if it is relevant, add it to the directory. Alternatively, if you need to updates please do let me know.

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