Grief can look and feel different for everyone, especially for children and young people.  As a Family Support Worker at Ashgate Hospice, my role is to guide children and their families through this difficult journey, offering comfort, advice, and resources to help navigate the emotional impact of the death someone important to them. We work closely with children to give them a safe space to express their emotions in their own way. Since there’s no single approach that works for every child, we provide personalised, flexible support so families know they are never alone.

Understanding grief in children

Children often process grief differently to adults. Depending on their age, they may not fully understand death or how to share their feelings. Some might become withdrawn, while others may act out from confusion or frustration. They may experience a mix of emotions like guilt, anger, sadness, anxiety or fear – and these feelings might come up right away or even years later.  

At Ashgate, we understand these challenges and offer gentle, age-appropriate support. Our goal is to create a safe and trusting relationship where children feel comfortable to talk, ask questions and share their feelings. 

Services we offer for bereaved children

We have a range of services tailored to help children through their grief. These are designed not only to support the child but to help families work through their grief together. 

One-to-one support sessions

Children can have one-to-one sessions where they explore their feelings in a safe space. This could be at home or school. We use different therapeutic techniques, including creative activities and outdoor time, to help them express themselves. These sessions give children the chance to share their stories, ask tough questions, and set personal goals in a way that feels right for them. 

Peer support groups

Some children find comfort in knowing they’re not alone. Our group sessions bring together those going through a similar situation, allowing them to connect, share and support one another.  These sessions are a great way for them to build friendships and find strength in others who understand. 

Memory-making activities

Creating memories can help children stay connected to the person who has died. We offer activities like memory boxes, artwork, and seed letters – letters written on seed paper that can be planted to grow into flowers – to help children celebrate their life. We use research and grief theory to make sure these activities are helpful and suited to each family. 

Family support groups

Grief affects the whole family, so we offer support groups which parents, siblings, and caregivers can also attend. These groups allow families to share their experiences with others in a similar situation, and the connections formed can bring comfort and reassurance. 

School support and liaison

Bereavement can make school life harder for children. That’s why we’ve built strong relationships across North Derbyshire. Our school bereavement support pack gives schools the tools they need to help grieving students, and we work with staff to ensure they feel confident in supporting the child’s emotional needs.  

Helping with difficult conversations

Talking about death can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help families navigate these tough conversations. We can offer advice, books and resources to guide these talks, and if needed, we can point families towards other sources of support. 

Ongoing support after bereavement

Grief doesn’t follow a set timeline, and for many children, the pain of a bereavement can resurface at different times. Anniversaries, big life events, or even small things like a smell or a song can trigger a response. At Ashgate, we provide ongoing support for as long as it’s needed, and we’re always here for follow-ups or check-ins to help children manage their feelings as they grow. 

How you can help

As a community, we can all support children who are grieving. Just being there to listen without judgment, giving them space to express their feelings when they’re ready, and showing patience can make a big difference.

At Ashgate, we’re here to provide guidance and resources, but the compassion of those around them is also key to helping them through a difficult time. If you need any advice on how to support a young person through grief, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here for you. Contact the team by emailing [email protected] or call 01246 568801.

Helping children through grief is one of the most rewarding parts of my role. While nothing can take away the pain of the death of someone important to them, we aim to give children the tools and support they need to carry their memory with them and continue to grow. 

If you know a family who needs support, or you’d like more information about our services, please don’t hesitate to reach out.