We listen, which means that we can offer what’s right for each child, young person and family that we support. We will spend time with you, listening, before we offer emotional and practical support, whether you are anticipating a death, and for those who have been bereaved.

We also consider the needs of adults bereaved as children and think together about what might help them to explore their grief safely. 

Our aim is to reduce prolonged and traumatic distress after bereavement. We believe that no child, young person, or family member should be alone in their grief. We will listen well, and ensure that they can face the future, with new skills and ideas. This enables them to enjoy their lives more fully, with grief being one part of their life, but not what defines them.

One child in every classroom will experience the death of a parent or sibling in every school, at any given time.

Bereavement in childhood is recognised as an Adverse Childhood Experience with a potential lifelong impact.

Our involvement builds resilience and can prevent future referral to child or adult mental health services. Also, we respond to critical incidents, including sudden deaths. Our experience and expertise mean that we can support children, young people and their families when there has been a sudden, unexpected, traumatic death, sometimes witnessed by the children we support. This can include death caused by the actions of another person, an accident, suicide or overdose.

We are unique in our ability to talk easily to families about their grief, even after the most traumatic events. Without us, conversations about grief can be awkward, at a time when children need to be shown that whatever they are feeling is valid and accepted.