Ministers of religion

Pastoral support is frequently sought by families around the death of a child, even by families who do not actively practice a particular faith, and there is no doubt that religious leaders have much to offer bereaved families in the way of support and guidance at a tragic time.

In times of crisis, people tend to fall back on their culturally acquired coping mechanisms, reverting to traditional beliefs, customs and rituals for security and comfort.

Hospital Chaplains are frequently called on to offer pastoral care to families, and are an important source of emotional support to families while they are in hospital and often afterwards too. Chaplains will often be asked to conduct a baptism for a dying baby or child, or to conduct a naming and blessing ceremony for a baby who has died. Conducting the funeral service for a baby or child is an important aspect they also fulfil., as is the support of other members of staff affected by traumatic incidents.

Ministers of religion, from whichever religious community, can advise families around the making of funeral arrangements, offering them options and choices to consider.