3.2. Identify the types of support available to children, young people and adults when they are adjusting to bereavement

This guide will help you answer 3.2. Identify the types of support available to children, young people and adults when they are adjusting to bereavement.

Bereavement can deeply affect children, young people, and adults. Support is essential in helping individuals process their grief. This section identifies various types of help that might assist during this challenging time.

Emotional Support

Grieving individuals often need emotional support. Listening to someone talk about their feelings can be comforting and therapeutic. Emotional support involves:

• Being present and available when they need to talk
• Offering a listening ear without making judgments
• Encouraging individuals to express their thoughts and emotions

For children and young people, emotional support may involve observing how they express grief through behaviour, rather than expecting them to verbalise their feelings. Adults may appreciate spaces where they feel heard and understood.

Practical Support

Practical challenges often arise after a loss. This could involve issues such as arranging a funeral or managing daily tasks. Providing practical support can make a significant difference. Examples include:

• Assisting with organising funeral services
• Helping with financial or legal paperwork
• Cooking meals, grocery shopping, or taking care of domestic tasks

Practical help reduces stress and enables individuals to focus on their emotional needs.

Professional Counselling

Some individuals may need professional counselling to cope with their grief. Counsellors are trained to support people dealing with loss. This service can help both children and adults by:

• Exploring the impact of the bereavement on their lives
• Teaching coping mechanisms
• Offering a safe environment to discuss feelings

For children, counselling often includes creative therapies such as play therapy or art therapy to help them express their emotions.

Support Groups

Joining a support group can be invaluable. It allows individuals to connect with others who are experiencing similar emotions. Support groups offer:

• A shared sense of understanding and empathy
• The opportunity to share experiences in a non-judgemental environment
• Peer-to-peer advice and coping strategies

Support groups are available for all age groups. For children and young people, these groups often include activities designed to facilitate expression and mutual support.

School Support for Children and Young People

Schools play a key role in supporting bereaved children and young people. School-based support includes:

• Allocating a trusted teacher or staff member for emotional guidance
• Providing access to a school counsellor
• Using storytelling or creative activities to explore feelings

Teachers should watch for any signs of distress that affect learning or social interactions and work closely with parents or carers.

Faith and Spiritual Support

Faith can provide comfort during times of grief. People with religious beliefs may take solace in their customs and practices. Faith support involves:

• Speaking to a faith leader, such as a priest, imam, or rabbi
• Participating in rituals or ceremonies
• Leaning on their spiritual community for guidance and reassurance

For those without religious beliefs, alternative practices such as mindfulness or nature meditation can provide a sense of peace and reflection.

Medication and Medical Support

Some individuals may struggle with symptoms such as depression or anxiety due to their bereavement. In these cases, seeking help from a GP is important. Medical support could involve:

• Discussing options for antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications
• Being referred to mental health services for specialised treatment
• Managing insomnia or other related health issues

Medication should always be combined with other forms of support, such as counselling or therapy, to address the root causes of grief effectively.

Online Support

In today’s digital world, there are many online resources for grief support. These include:

• Helplines such as those offered by organisations like Cruse Bereavement Support
• Online forums where people share experiences and advice
• E-counselling or video sessions with a therapist

Children, in particular, may feel more comfortable accessing help online through age-appropriate platforms. It’s important, however, to monitor younger children to ensure they use safe and trustworthy sites.

Family Support

Family members are often the first source of support. They can:

• Provide a familiar and loving environment
• Encourage open discussions about feelings and memories of the person who has passed away
• Support each other in rebuilding their lives after the loss

Children may find it easier to process grief with consistent routines. Adults often rely on family bonds for shared comfort.

Respite Care for Adults

Adults caring for others while grieving, such as parents or caregivers, may need a break. Respite care offers temporary relief by:

• Looking after dependents, such as children or individuals with disabilities
• Providing time for the grieving person to focus on their own well-being
• Enabling them to attend support sessions or fulfil practical tasks

Respite can be arranged through local councils or charities.

Resources for Child Bereavement

Specific resources are often required when helping a grieving child. These might include:

• Age-appropriate books about loss
• Creative outlets like drawing, writing, or playing
• Charities such as Winston’s Wish, which provide child bereavement support services

Adults can support children by staying patient and answering their questions about the death honestly but appropriately for their age.

Workplace Support for Adults

Workplaces often offer services for grieving employees. This might include:

• Flexible working hours or compassionate leave
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), which can include free counselling
• A supportive management team that checks in on the individual’s well-being

This type of support allows grieving adults to balance their professional responsibilities with their emotional needs.

When Professional Help Becomes Necessary

Sometimes grief becomes overwhelming. Professional help is necessary if someone shows signs of:

• Prolonged depression or withdrawal
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
• Difficulty in carrying out daily tasks

In these cases, direct the individual to relevant mental health services. Immediate support may include helplines such as Samaritans or appointments with their GP.

Conclusion

Emotional, practical, and professional resources all play a part in supporting people adjusting to bereavement. The type of help needed will differ depending on age and individual circumstances. By identifying these resources, support workers can provide meaningful and effective care that helps the bereaved navigate through their loss.