When Jackson died it affected not only us but lots of children in our family and friends circle. To explain to a child why another child has died is so hard, when you feel you don’t understand the reason yourself.
What we noticed was a lack of bereavement support within schools for the younger children, although some were offered counselling its not always available or they are added to a long waiting list to be seen.
As well as donating road safety materials to local schools we decided to include resource materials on bereavement which the schools could refer to when a pupil suffers a loss. We started this by providing books on bereavement aimed at key stage one, but we want to increase this and aim to provide our own specially designed packs for schools which will include information and advice on how they might help children and families if a death should occur.
Books we donate at the moment…
“The Dragonfly Story’ is an illustrated children’s book that offers a way to discuss death and what happens when we die. It is a concept based on the hope of heaven that helps to open up the discussion between children and their parents or teachers.”
“Using the experience of the death of her eldest child, the author, Kelly Owen, has retold the fable in simple terms to encourage children and families to talk about death and what happens when we die.”
“This is a story about loss, friendship and hope. The Magical Wood, is set in a beautiful wood with a river wandering through. One cold and stormy day, the wind blew a terrible gale. The next day the Tree family woke to find that Strongest Tree had fallen to the woodland floor and had sadly died. How would the Tree family survive the seasons without the strength of Strongest Tree?”
“The Bristol-based author recently drew on his childhood trauma to write his latest book ‘The Magical Wood’. Published on the 26th anniversary of his father’s death, it has been praised by families who are coping with grief, or anticipating the death of someone they love.”
“A sudden death is devastating for children and their families. There is no time to prepare or say goodbye. In many cases the death is violent and horrific; such as when someone dies in a road crash, or takes their own life. In many cases the person who dies is a parent, brother or sister, leaving behind a bereft family. The Amy & Tom project is a charitable initiative by Brake, helping suddenly bereaved children of all ages through their terrible shock and grief and helping them to recover and lead full and happy lives.”
“The book comes with an accompanying guide aimed at parents, carers or support professionals, giving guidance on using the book to talk to and support a bereaved child.”
Write up taken from the Brake website, this book is a more factual look at death and can help to answer curious questions children may ask.
Blue for Jackson 