Support for Schools

Supporting Schools with Child Bereavement

A death can sometimes effect a whole group of children and so the Children's Bereavement Centre can offer support for school staff members who need to provide support for their students.

We believe that by collaborating with local schools and parents/carers, we can help ensure that every bereaved child gets the support they need. Not everyone needs to be an expert—you can leave much of that to us—but having some knowledge and understanding can make a significant difference in helping bereaved children not just survive but thrive.

With that in mind, we have produced a comprehensive guidance booklet with practical tips and advice on how to effectively support bereaved children in school. Please email [email protected] to access a digital download of the booklet or request a copy to be sent by post.

Proactive Planning for Bereavement in Schools workshop

Many schools reach out to us during a crisis—when a death has occurred within the school community—and staff are often unsure of what to do or say. However, planning ahead can provide clarity, ensuring that responses are handled effectively and sensitively while giving staff the confidence to support grieving pupils during difficult times.

To address this need, we have developed the School Grief Awareness Partnership, a free initiative that offers:

Planning ideas for bereavement policies
Advice and guidance on handling grief in schools
Support for staff, students, and families

For more information on how your school can get involved, please click here.

Our School Grief Awareness Partnership complements our existing 1:1 bereavement support and counselling services, which schools can access at any time. Every school has unique needs, and we would love the opportunity to meet with you to discuss how we can best support your staff and pupils.

How You Can Support Us

To provide our essential bereavement support services for free, we rely on support from our local community. We have listed some fundraising campaigns that we would be grateful if your school would consider supporting our work.

Wear Yellow and White Day, Wednesday 5^th June 2025 - The Children’s Bereavement Centre Daisy Appeal, remembering and celebrating the lives of lost ones together. Download a fundraising pack and poster here Wear Yellow and White Day | Children's Bereavement Centre.

Newark Duck Race, Sunday 22^nd June 2025 – Find out how you can sponsor a duck in Newark’s charity duck race on the iconic River Trent. Newark Duck Race 2025 | Children's Bereavement Centre

Save the date - Christmas Jumper Challenge 2025 – Friday 12^th December 2025 – Find out more here Christmas Jumper Challenge 2025 | Children's Bereavement Centre

If you are interested in any of the above, please contact Clare Sears on 01636 551739 or email Clare here to arrange a meeting.

Training

We offer bereavement support workshops for teachers to enable them to better support pupils following the loss of someone close. We also provide, advice guidance and practical support to schools following the death of a pupil or school staff member.

Please call us on 01636 551739 or e-mail us here

If there's a child in your school, that you feel needs more one on one support, then please check out our referral process.

We look forward to working with you to ensure that no bereaved child in our community feels alone.

Latest

Our Support Area

Our charity offers support to children and young people dealing with loss or terminal illness in Nottinghamshire, Lincoln, and Kesteven districts.
Newark Dragon Boat Festival 2026

Headline Sponsors Announced as Newark Dragon Boat Race Passes 50% Capacity
Daisy Remembrance Exhibit 2026

Donate for your metal or wooden daisy which will be included in our special Meadow of Memories Exhibit on Saturday June 27th, 2026
Lincoln C2C2C

We’re delighted to be a Charity Partner for C2C2C 2026, which means your event entry fee will be donated directly to support the work of the Children's Bereavement Centre. Whether you're an experienced cyclist or looking for your next challenge, there’s a route for everyone.

Our Support Area

Our charity offers support to children and young people dealing with loss or terminal illness in Nottinghamshire, Lincoln, and Kesteven districts.
In Memory Tribute Page

Tribute Pages: A Special Place to Remember When someone close to us dies, we might look for ways to remember them, to share stories, and to keep memories of them close. A tribute page gives you a dedicated space to do just that—somewhere you can return to, whenever you need.
Make A Referral

Please be aware that referral volumes have been significantly higher than usual in recent months, which has led to longer processing times. We appreciate your patience while referrals are being processed.
What we Offer

We work with children and young people aged between 3 and 18 in a number of ways to provide them with the support that's right for them.
Pre-Bereavement Support

We also work with children who have someone close to them who have been given a terminal diagnosis.
Telephone Advice

If you are concerned about a child or young person affected by bereavement or terminal illness, we have trained advisors who will call you as soon as possible following your initial enquiry.
How to Talk About Death & Dying to a Child

Talking to a child about the death of someone close may be the hardest thing you have ever done or will ever do. However, children do need to be told the truth and it is preferable that it comes from a parent, carer, or someone close to them
Publications and Resources

We have created a list of books which we have found helpful when working with bereaved children, young people and their families.
Groups and activities

We offer a whole range of activities for our service users and their families.

Make A Referral

Please be aware that referral volumes have been significantly higher than usual in recent months, which has led to longer processing times. We appreciate your patience while referrals are being processed.
How to Explain Funerals & Cremations to a Child

It is important to use clear and simple language when describing funerals, burials or cremation. Here is our advice for explaining these to children
Play Therapy

Play Therapy helps young children experiencing trauma due to their bereavement communicate their feelings and work through their grief using the natural form of play
Training for Professionals

We offer a number of training sessions for professionals, who want to build on their knowledge and skills to support children and young people affected by the death or terminal illness of someone important to them.
Free Specialist Bereavement Support for Children & Families

The Children's Bereavement Centre is a registered charity that provides free specialist support for children and young people aged 3 -18 years as well as their parents or carers who are affected by the death or terminal-illness of someone important to them.
Where We Cover

Locations across Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire that you can access our service.
Running Events 2026

Whether you're a keen runner and would like to help the Children's Bereavement Centre raise vital funds whilst indulging in your hobby, or just starting out and want to challenge yourself, then why not take up one of our charity places at different events.
Newark Duck Race 2026

Newark Duck Race in aid of Children's Bereavement Centre and Newark and District Round Table
Contact Us
Donate