Bereavement Support

When a loss occurs in the family, it can be an emotional time for everyone, but there is always support out there to help you when times are hard. Here you will find a list of resources, external services and organisations that can help.

Dragonflies Bereavement Project

The Fellowship of St Nicholas run a project that focuses on bereaved children called Dragonflies. Referrals can be made by anyone and accessing the groups is free. Children will be placed in a group setting with peers of a similar age and similar loss. The Fellowship of St Nicholas is based in St Leonards-on-Sea. 

https://www.fsncharity.co.uk/projects/dragonflies-bereavement-project 

Dragonflies and Water Bugs by Doris Stickney

The book which the Dragonflies project was named after. It tells a story of water bugs transforming into dragonflies and how this can be used as a metaphor for bereavement in a child-friendly, appropriate way. This book can be purchased online or in bookstores. 

Winston's Wish 

Winston's Wish is a national charity that supports bereaved children and their families. All support is available online and there are on-demand services such as a live chat, helpline, text or email support. Winston's Wish can also offer one-to-one sessions with bereavement support workers and counsellors by making a self-referral. 

https://www.winstonswish.org/ 

Winston's Wish has lots of activities to do to help children with processing a bereavement. 

https://www.winstonswish.org/activities/ 

St Michael's Hospice

The hospice is a local service that provides support for families who are either pre- or post-bereavement. They provide many programs for adults such as therapy groups and a call back service. 

https://stmichaelshospice.com/