Child bereavement resources
Every child experiences grief in their own way — and for children and young people with learning disabilities, that experience can often be misunderstood or overlooked. Feelings of loss may be shown through changes in behaviour, communication, or play rather than words. Our role is to listen closely, slow down, and meet each child where they are.
At Children and Families Health Devon, we recognise that grief is not just one feeling but many layers — shaped by time, experience, and connection. Our role is to create safe, understanding spaces where children can express and make sense of their emotions through the ways that feel right for them at their own pace, in their own way.
National and Local Child Bereavement Charities
* Child Bereavement UK
* Winston’s Wish
Child Bereavement UK and Winston’s Wish are merging, with the combined organisation to be named Child Bereavement UK
Child Bereavement Charities Devon
* Balloons (Exeter, East and Mid Devon)
* Children in Grief (South Devon)
* Families in Grief (North Devon)
* Jeremiah’s Journey (Plymouth and the immediate surrounding area of Devon)
Selected Publications for Supporting Grief & Bereavement
- A Special Kind of Grief by Sarah Helton — The Complete Guide for Supporting Bereavement and Loss in Special Schools (and Other SEND Settings). Jessica Kingsley Publishers – USA+1
- A Jumble of Knotted Thoughts by Sarah Helton — A sensory story to support bereavement and loss. Good Grief+1
- Muddles, Puddles and Sunshine by Winston’s Wish — An activity book offering practical and sensitive support for bereaved younger children. Winston’s Wish+1
- A Child’s Grief: Supporting a child when someone in their family has died — Publication from Winston’s Wish. Winston’s Wish
- We All Grieve: Supporting Bereaved Children Who Have Special Educational Needs/Disabilities — Publication from Winston’s Wish. Winston’s Wish
- As Big As It Gets: Supporting a child when someone close to them is seriously ill — Publication from Winston’s Wish. Winston’s Wish
- Then, Now and Always: Supporting Children as They Journey Through Grief – A Guide for Practitioners by Julie A. Stokes
- Grief in Children: A Handbook for Adults by Atle Dyregov
- The Invisible String by Patrice Karst