Bereavement, loss and traumatic incidents
Bereavement and Loss
For a child, the world in many ways is still relatively unknown. Experiencing the harsh realities of the death of a loved one, and encountering grief for the first time, can make their world even more confusing. Add to this a family unit in its own state of grief and distress, this can become an unsettling time in a child’s life.
However, it is likely that most young people will have lost a loved one or a relative by the time they are 16 so it is helpful for schools and the adults around them to have some good information and reliable organisations that they can turn to for support at this highly distressing time.
Bereavement by suicide
One of the most traumatic incidents that a child or young person might be faced with is the death of a friend or family member - and this experience is further complicated when the death is a result of suicide.
Understanding the term 'trauma'
The word trauma is used to describe negative events that are emotionally painful and that overwhelm a person’s ability to cope. Trauma can happen as a result of experiencing a traumatic event such as a car accident or the death of a close relative or witnessing a violent crime. Traumatic events can also include direct physical or sexual assault, and various forms of abuse experienced during childhood.
Local support for Schools
A critical incident may be defined as any sudden and unexpected incident or sequence of events which cause trauma within a school community, and which overwhelms the normal coping mechanisms of that school.
Critical Incidents affecting schools may include:
Whatever the scale of the incident, the effect on the individuals involved can be equally devastating.
This Critical Incidents page explains the support available to schools in these situations.
This guidance has been produced by the Educational Psychology Service and the Health & Safety Service on behalf of Somerset Council. Supported by Public Health (Somerset) and The Samaritans.
National support
These sites offer advice to school settings:
Samaritans - school service
Winton’s Wish Supporting a bereaved child - information for schools
Useful childhood bereavement links
Winston’s Wish National Helpline 08452 03 04 05
Support, guidance and information for anyone caring for a bereaved child or a child facing the imminent death of a family member.
Child Bereavement Charity UK
The Child Bereavement Charity (CBC) provides specialised support, information and training to all those affected when a baby or child dies, or when a child is bereaved.
General enquiries: 01494 568900
Childhood Bereavement Network
The Childhood Bereavement Network (CBN) is a national, multi-professional federation of organisations and individuals working with bereaved children and young people.
Cruse Bereavement Care
Cruse Bereavement Care exists to promote the well-being of bereaved people and to enable anyone bereaved by death to understand their grief and cope with their loss.
Helpline: 0844 477 9400
Papyrus (prevention of young suicide)
PAPYRUS is a voluntary UK organisation committed to the prevention of young suicide and the promotion of mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Hope Line UK: 0800 068 41 41 (for practical advice on suicide prevention)
Young Minds
YoungMinds is the national charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people.
Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544
The Suicide Bereavement Support Service is available to anyone bereaved by suicide in Somerset. They offer emotional support as well as guidance through the trauma of sorting out personal affairs. Email:
The Rosie Crane Trust is a Somerset based charity offering support to bereaved parents: www.rosiecranetrust.org
Josephine's Star offers support to children and their families in Somerset when someone special has died. Josephine's Star | Supporting Grieving Children | Somerset (josephinesstar.org.uk)
