The Facts

Research has shown that in this country a child is bereaved of a parent every thirty minutes and there are an estimated 1800 children and young people living in Exeter, Mid and East Devon who have experienced the death of someone close to them, such as a parent or sibling.

Unfortunately they do not always receive the appropriate support because

• A myth exists that either children “will get over it” or they are “too young”
• Adults feel they need to protect them
• Adults feel helpless “ I do not know what to say”
• Adults are caught up in their own grief

Without help evidence suggests that there is

• A greater risk of social exclusion and mental health problems
• Problems with school work, difficult behaviour and physical ill health
• For vulnerable children and young people an increased risk of the above resulting in school exclusion, increased risk taking and criminal behaviour

With time and support children and young people can work through their grief. They need

• To be able to talk about the loss
• Ask questions
• Express their feelings
• Have their fears and worries accepted