The bereaved children and young people we work with at CBC tell us what they need is easily accessed support that focuses on loss through death. Also, that sometimes they feel more comfortable receiving this support from their peers, or from trusted adults other than parents and carers. Schools are ideally placed to meet this need and one way to do it is by running a Bereavement Support Group. The following guidelines are to help you set one up in your school. See also Resources for staff.
Who Should Run the Support Group?
Any staff member with commitment, time and who is secure with their own losses. Learning Mentors and school counsellors are often involved. Bereavement professionals are not required, but some training on Loss, Death and Grief and the impact on children and young people will give confidence.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality needs careful thought, especially for adolescents and teens. Primary schools normally let parents/carers know that their child is attending a group. For older pupils a similar approach to that used with visits to a school counsellor may be more appropriate, with parents being aware that a bereavement group exists but not necessarily that their child is attending. Pupils will need to be reassured that confidentiality extends to the staffroom and that information will not be shared between staff without permission from the pupil concerned.
Referral Process
This can be pupil-led by putting up posters in the school and letting anyone who wishes to, come along. Some schools invite pupils considered to be most in need of the support. This will exclude pupils affected by a death but of whom the school is unaware. It is also important to remember the quiet ones as well as those obviously displaying their grief.
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