Life Limiting Conditions

Supporting bereaved pupils with SEND

A free-to-access resource has been launched by Child Bereavement UK in collaboration with the London Grid for Learning to help education professionals support bereaved pupils with SEND. 

Winston's Wish

Winston’s Wish provides emotional and practical bereavement support to children and young people up to the age of 25, their families and those who care for them:

  • Freephone Helpline team for immediate advice, guidance and support from trained bereavement professionals

  • Information and resources to support a bereaved child or young person on their website

  • Expert advice for those bereaved by suicide, homicide and serious illness and supporting bereaved children with SEND.

  • Training for professionals, resources for schools and specialist publications.

Hope Support Services

Youth-led online support is available to anybody aged 11-25 when a close family member is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.

Books and resources for bereaved children and young people

A Pocket Full of Plasters - 10 fold-out 'plasters' of advice for young people to read at difficult times

I Can…You Can cards - A set of four postcards for bereaved children and young people to alert their parent or carer, friend or teacher how they can help through this difficult time, and to remind themselves of coping strategies.

Stepping Stones cards - A set of four postcards for children and young people when someone important to them is seriously ill to alert people close to them how they can help through this difficult time.

A Star For Bobby by Helen Keenor - A book for young children about the death of a brother or sister, explaining why sometimes these things happen and how this may be making them feel.

No Worries, Hello Happy, Stay Strong, Be Brave by Dr Sharie Coombes - Set of four books using writing, colouring, doodling and drawing to explore fears, worries and negative feelings, and develop new ways to cope

A Birthday Present for Daniel by Juliet Rothman - Suitable for ages 9 to 12 years. A young girl whose brother has died describes how she feels and tells about some of the things her family does to help them accept his death.

We were gonna have a baby, but we had an angel instead - Suitable for children who are suffering the loss of their family’s pregnancy.

Silly Billy by Anthony Browne - For children who worry

When Something Terrible Happens: Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief (Drawing Out Feelings) by Marqge Heegaard - Creates ways for children to explore the fright, confusion, and insecurity caused by traumatic events of grief, family loss and change.  

These Precious Little People by Frankie Brunker & Gillian Gamble - Anyone supporting children affected by the death of a baby can use this book as a way to develop an understanding of their grief.

When Dinosaurs Die by Laurie Kransy Brown and Marc Brown - A guide to help answer questions and explore feelings about the death of a loved one, including ways to remember someone after he or she has died.

Angry Arthur by Hiawyn Oram & Satoshi Kitamura - A book to understand and explore anger

Sometimes by Rebecca Elliott - A story of a boy who’s sister spends a lot of time in hospital

I Miss You: A First Look at Death by Pat Thomas - This reassuring picture book explores the difficult issue of death for young children in a simple but realistic way.

Goodbye Mousie by Robie H. Harris - A story about the loss of a pet to help young readers deal with loss.

Out of the Blue by Julie Stokes & Paul Oxley - This book has been written and designed specifically for teenagers with aim of supporting them through bereavement using a range of activities.

Always and Forever by Debi Gliori & Alan Durant - With thoughtful, delicate illustrations, this gentle story is just right for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one.

Sad Book by Michael Rosen’s - A beautifully illustrated read for adults and children about love and loss which explains why it's ok to be sad sometimes

No Matter What by Debi Gliori - A heartfelt story about the unconditional love each parent feels for their child  

Muddles, Puddles and Sunshine by Diana Crossley - Activity book for bereaved younger children, using activities and exercises to explore the many difficult feelings which inevitably follow when someone dies. 

I Miss my Sister - For children aged 4 - 10 years, using illustrations help to guide children through grief and different emotions following the death of a sibling.

Time for You

Sessions and workshops to support young people aged 10-16 affected by the death or knowledge that someone important to them is dying from an incurable illness. Fun and interactive programme of creative therapies and outdoor activities aims, free of charge, Saturday mornings 10.00am-12.00pm at Clifford House, S11 9PX. For more information or to join call Liz on 0114 235 7498 or email here.

Clifford House

Clifford House is for anyone affected by an illness that has no cure and their loved ones. Open 10am - 4pm, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Clifford House is open to anyone affected by an illness that has no cure, at any stage of that journey. Offers a place to relax, activities, advice and information sessions, and groups. Get support from others living with illness, and from professionals and volunteers who can help and inform. Everything is free of charge, including transport if you are unable to travel independently. Call 0114 235 7650 to discuss transport options.

The Childhood Bereavement Network (CBN)

Supporting professionals to find and share the knowledge and resources they need to deliver high quality, accessible bereavement care and signposting families, professionals and the public to sources of bereavement support.

The Small Creature - British Heart Foundation resources for bereaved children

A British Heart Foundation film for children aged 3-8 who are coming to terms with the loss of a loved one.

There is also further links and information about talking to children about heart and circulatory conditions on this site.

When Someone Has A Very Serious Illness. Children Can Learn To Cope With Loss And Change

Book to help younger children understanding and feelings about illness and change, including basic concepts of illness and healthy coping skills. Includes lots of space for drawings. 

NHS Health A-Z - Conditions and treatments

Information about conditions, treatments and support for carers

Easy health leaflets

Large range of leaflets on different topics, explained in an accessible format

Supporting young carers in families with HIV (Booklet)

Professionals booklet including information on who young carers, impacts of caring, families with insecure immigration status, disclosure and confidentiality, and practical tips on how to offer support.

Film made by young people caring for parents affected by HIV and AIDS

[This film doesn’t seem to be available at the moment. The web link goes to the article that accompanies the film] A film made by young people with parents affected by HIV and Aids gives their moving accounts. These children wanted the world to know what it was like to live with a parent with HIV/Aids, and the 14-minute film they have made shows their reality.

Help for families around talking to their children when a close relative is dying

A range of information including what to tell the children in your life, handling difficult questions, and how to talk to children of different ages including very young children.