Supporting Children & Young People

The serious illness or death of someone close can have a huge impact on a child or young person.

With the right support and information however, children and young people can be helped to understand what has happened and learn to move forward in a positive way. There are some simple ways which can make a real difference to you and to a grieving child.

It is important to remember that children will notice changes to their world, whether big or small and can sense when something is wrong and can tell when the adults around them are stressed or upset.

Children may be more able to deal with the truth and painful information than adults think they are. If they are not given information, they may overhear adults’ conversations and invent their own explanations, which can result in them feeling scared, worried, upset or to blame. They may react to the serious illness of someone close to them in a variety of ways. There may be changes in their behavior or mood. Some children will express their worries and show how they are feeling, whereas others will keep their feelings inside.

What helps

Parents and carers can help their children to live with the serious illness of someone they love, by providing age appropriate information, with an opportunity to ask questions and allowing them to express their feelings and concerns.

It is important to make sure you have enough support for yourself. Inform the nursery/school/college of what has happened, as they may be able to offer support.

Children 0-11 years

Try to continue with regular activities as far as possible. This can help children feel secure
Children often see-saw in and out of grief, needing time to have fun as well as be sad
Talk to the children using simple straightforward language
Give the children as much information as they ask for
Answer questions about death as honestly as you can
Encourage children to talk about how they are feeling
Children often need help retaining their memories – share memories and stories with them
It is ok for your child to know that you are feeling sad.

Young people 12 years+

Bereaved teenagers and young people often don’t want to talk to parents, preferring to talk to friends
They may need to grieve privately and may be reluctant to display feelings openly
They may take their lead from the way the adults around them behave
Boys may channel their feelings into aggressive behaviour
Girls may be more likely to talk and cry with friends
Both boys and girls may show worrying risk-taking behaviour.

How we can help

Garden House Hospice Care offers individual support to children and young people who are bereaved or living with an adult with a serious illness. Our trained team of staff and volunteers offer support to children, in a safe, confidential environment, helping children to express their thoughts and feelings, using creative interventions. We also work collaboratively with schools in North Hertfordshire and Stevenage and other external organisations including local hospitals.

If you are unsure when to tell your children, or how to explain things to them, please contact Family Support at Garden House Hospice Care by calling 01462 679540. We will be able to discuss your concerns and help you to find ways to talk to your children about the situation. We understand that every child and circumstance is different and there is not a ‘one size fits all’.

Children and Young Person's Referral

Make a referral