Books and resources for bereaved children and young people

A Pocket Full of Plasters - 10 fold-out 'plasters' of advice for young people to read at difficult times

I Can…You Can cards - A set of four postcards for bereaved children and young people to alert their parent or carer, friend or teacher how they can help through this difficult time, and to remind themselves of coping strategies.

Stepping Stones cards - A set of four postcards for children and young people when someone important to them is seriously ill to alert people close to them how they can help through this difficult time.

A Star For Bobby by Helen Keenor - A book for young children about the death of a brother or sister, explaining why sometimes these things happen and how this may be making them feel.

No Worries, Hello Happy, Stay Strong, Be Brave by Dr Sharie Coombes - Set of four books using writing, colouring, doodling and drawing to explore fears, worries and negative feelings, and develop new ways to cope

A Birthday Present for Daniel by Juliet Rothman - Suitable for ages 9 to 12 years. A young girl whose brother has died describes how she feels and tells about some of the things her family does to help them accept his death.

We were gonna have a baby, but we had an angel instead - Suitable for children who are suffering the loss of their family’s pregnancy.

Silly Billy by Anthony Browne - For children who worry

When Something Terrible Happens: Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief (Drawing Out Feelings) by Marqge Heegaard - Creates ways for children to explore the fright, confusion, and insecurity caused by traumatic events of grief, family loss and change.  

These Precious Little People by Frankie Brunker & Gillian Gamble - Anyone supporting children affected by the death of a baby can use this book as a way to develop an understanding of their grief.

When Dinosaurs Die by Laurie Kransy Brown and Marc Brown - A guide to help answer questions and explore feelings about the death of a loved one, including ways to remember someone after he or she has died.

Angry Arthur by Hiawyn Oram & Satoshi Kitamura - A book to understand and explore anger

Sometimes by Rebecca Elliott - A story of a boy who’s sister spends a lot of time in hospital

I Miss You: A First Look at Death by Pat Thomas - This reassuring picture book explores the difficult issue of death for young children in a simple but realistic way.

Goodbye Mousie by Robie H. Harris - A story about the loss of a pet to help young readers deal with loss.

Out of the Blue by Julie Stokes & Paul Oxley - This book has been written and designed specifically for teenagers with aim of supporting them through bereavement using a range of activities.

Always and Forever by Debi Gliori & Alan Durant - With thoughtful, delicate illustrations, this gentle story is just right for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one.

Sad Book by Michael Rosen’s - A beautifully illustrated read for adults and children about love and loss which explains why it's ok to be sad sometimes

No Matter What by Debi Gliori - A heartfelt story about the unconditional love each parent feels for their child  

Muddles, Puddles and Sunshine by Diana Crossley - Activity book for bereaved younger children, using activities and exercises to explore the many difficult feelings which inevitably follow when someone dies. 

I Miss my Sister - For children aged 4 - 10 years, using illustrations help to guide children through grief and different emotions following the death of a sibling.

YoungMinds Crisis Messenger Service

Free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need support, you can text YM to 85258. A trained volunteer will then make contact in less than 5 minutes. Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus.

BBC Articles: Children of alcoholics

I will always be the child of an alcoholic - part of Children of Alcoholics Awareness Week - 10-16 Feb 2019.

When mum or dad is an alcoholic - 23 May 2017

Time for You

Sessions and workshops to support young people aged 10-16 affected by the death or knowledge that someone important to them is dying from an incurable illness. Fun and interactive programme of creative therapies and outdoor activities aims, free of charge, Saturday mornings 10.00am-12.00pm at Clifford House, S11 9PX. For more information or to join call Liz on 0114 235 7498 or email here.

Clifford House

Clifford House is for anyone affected by an illness that has no cure and their loved ones. Open 10am - 4pm, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Clifford House is open to anyone affected by an illness that has no cure, at any stage of that journey. Offers a place to relax, activities, advice and information sessions, and groups. Get support from others living with illness, and from professionals and volunteers who can help and inform. Everything is free of charge, including transport if you are unable to travel independently. Call 0114 235 7650 to discuss transport options.

The Childhood Bereavement Network (CBN)

Supporting professionals to find and share the knowledge and resources they need to deliver high quality, accessible bereavement care and signposting families, professionals and the public to sources of bereavement support.

Unforgettable

Website aiming to the lives of those affected by dementia and memory loss, with products, articles and a blog about how to talk to children about dementia including links to books for children 

Kooth - free, safe and anonymous online support for young people

XenZone is a provider of online mental health services for children, young people and adults. Kooth, from XenZone, is an online counselling and emotional well-being platform for children and young people, accessible through mobile, tablet and desktop and free at the point of use. Available Monday – Friday 12pm – 10pm, Saturday – Sunday 6pm – 10pm

The Small Creature - British Heart Foundation resources for bereaved children

A British Heart Foundation film for children aged 3-8 who are coming to terms with the loss of a loved one.

There is also further links and information about talking to children about heart and circulatory conditions on this site.

Telling your child you have cancer or other illnesses

Article and short animated film for parents on how to tell your children you have cancer or other serious illnesses