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ERIC is the national charity dedicated to improving children’s bowel and bladder health. Our mission is to reduce the impact of continence problems on children and their families.

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With your help, we can keep offering free support to those who need us.

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Find out more here:

Free e-learning modules for all Lincolnshire school parents and carers.

The aim of the project is to bring together resources and training opportunities for people in Lincolnshire who support children and young people with SEND. It is written by schools for school communities.

Modules

types of SEND

what is inclusion

SEND code of practice

respecting individuals

working with professionals

awareness of a neuro-typical child

and more!

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Book here: https://www.lincspcf.org.uk/P_Events.php

*You do not have a to have a diagnosis of dyslexia to attend these events

Supporting your child at home 30/09/26 and 01/03/27

Working with your child's school 09/11/26 and 22/02/27

Study skills and revision strategies 02/12/26 and 13/01/27

Primary to secondary transition 26/04/27 and 07/06/27

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Chris Hemsworth on his struggle with anxiety

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Chris Hemsworth on his struggle with anxiety

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Chris Hemsworth on his struggle with anxiety ❤️ and how he has learned to handle it ❤️

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This May Help: Advice for supporting your child’s mental health

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This May Help: Advice for supporting your child’s mental health

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This May Help has been created for parents and carers to help manage their child’s mental health.

The subjects covered on this website have been chosen by parents and carers just like you, and in consultation with young people who have gone through their own mental health issues. What helped them may also help you.

On each page you’ll find text for every topic along with more support films and links to other resources.

On the downloadable advice page you can download a printable version to use whenever you want.

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What is your concern?

This May Help has been created for parents and carers to help manage their child's mental health.

The subjects covered on this website have been chosen by parents and carers just like you, and in consultation with young people who have gone through their own mental health issues. What helped them may also help you.

On each page you'll find text for every topic along with more support films and links to other resources.

On the downloadable advice page you can download a printable version to use whenever you want.

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Advice for supporting your child's mental health | ThisMayHelp

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We are an initiative in partnership with the NHS to provide mental health support for parents of teens. Explore our videos for expert advice

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Along with all the lovely things that summer entails, there are some sensory challenges posed by the change in weather, daylight hours, breaks from school routines, eating outdoors, travelling and staying in holiday accommodation. We’ve packed this kit with practical tips and suggestions to help those experiencing sensory integration or sensory processing differences better manage the sensory challenges of summer.

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The Mix Counselling service is suitable for you if you are looking for short-term help with your mental health and emotional wellbeing. Our FREE Telephone and Webchat counselling service is available to young people aged 11-25 years old. Our counsellors aim to support by listening to your problems and helping you find ways to cope in a confidential, safe space.

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Essential support for under 25s

The Mix Counselling service is suitable for you if you are looking for short-term help with your mental health and emotional wellbeing. Our Telephone and Webchat counselling service is available to young people aged 25 years old and under. Our counsellors aim to support by listening to your problems and helping you find ways to cope in a confidential, safe space.

Counselling sessions could help with issues such as:

- A bereavement (death) or relationship breakdown
- Stress / anxiety
- Exploring issues like your sexual identity / gender identity
- Dealing with issues that are stopping you achieving your ambitions
- Dealing with feelings of depression or sadness
- Understanding yourself and your problems better
- Feeling more confident

You will usually be offered up to eight counselling sessions that last around 50 minutes each.

If you're thinking about counselling but you're not quite sure if it's for you, here are some links that you might find useful:

What to expect from counselling: a guide
Expert chat: what to expect from counselling
Your first counselling session

To receive counselling please complete the form below.

The Mix takes your privacy very seriously, all the information you provide us in the form are used from the Counselling Team only for allocation, safeguarding, training and evaluation purposes. Please read more about our privacy and confidentiality policies and terms of use.
Be as honest as you can. If worried for your safety the counselling team may have to activate the "risk assessment" procedure.
Our service is not suitable for you if you are;

26 years old +

Living outside the UK

Already receiving counselling from another service

If you are on a waiting list for treatment you can still access our service. It can be tricky knowing what to do while on these waiting lists, so have a read of our article for further support and ideas
If you feel that you want to end your life, please call 999 to seek immediate help from the emergency services. You can also contact HopeLineUK on 0800 068 41 41 or Samaritans on 116 123

The Mix. Registered charity number: 1048995

Welcome to The Mix, a support service for young people. There are loads of ways you can get support from us, including our articles, videos, helpline, counselling, forums, apps and more. To find which service suits your needs use the drop down menu below.

Log in

Welcome to The Mix, offering essential support for under 25s.

Log in to submit your own content on our platform Your Voices.

If you do not have an account with us you can sign up here.
I don't have a login

Forgotten password?

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Welcome to The Mix, the online guide to life for young people in the UK.

Your Voices is a community-focused section of The Mix where you can share stories about your experiences on a specific issue. Upload your own videos, images, blog posts, and playlists to Your Voices and share them with your friends.

Don't have a Your Voices account? Sign up here to submit your own content.

Already have log in, log in here.
I already have a login

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The Mix takes your privacy very seriously, all the information you provide us in the form are used from the Counselling Team only for allocation, safeguarding, training and evaluation purposes. Please read more about our privacy and confidentiality policies and terms of use. Be as honest as you can.

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Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, 24/7 text message service for anyone in need of support in the UK. Our trained Shout Volunteers can help with issues including anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, relationship problems, sexuality, money worries. Text SHOUT to 85258 to speak to a volunteer today.

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The Virtual Autism Hub is an innovative source of all age autism support to empower autistic people and their parents/carers.  We work closely with community groups and organisations to strengthen support for autistic adults, children and young people and parent/carers, increasing the range, breadth and reach of these groups.

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The Virtual Autism Hub is an innovative source of all age autism support to empower autistic people and their parents/carers. We work closely with community groups and organisations to strengthen support for autistic adults, children and young people and parent/carers, increasing the range, breadth and reach of these groups.

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Our Mission

We support the positive mental health of children and young people. We do this three ways:

We offer 1-1 and group arts therapies for children and young people;

We offer training and supervision of professionals in educational settings;

We offer training forums and support to parents and carers.

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We support the positive mental health of children and young people, 0 - 25 years.

We do this three ways:

NESSie provides easy access to arts therapies, counselling, support and training so that children, young people and their families can thrive. We provide support through partnering with local schools, county councils and community organisations within Hertfordshire and the surrounding counties. Parents can also reach out to us directly.

Together our therapists have over 200 years of experience. We welcome diversity and have specialist trauma, ASC and LGBTQ+ therapists within our team. We have excellent feedback from organisations and parents and a long history of working relationships with local statutory and community partners.

child centered, flexible support Our Mental Health Leads Training is quality assured by the Department of Education.

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Welcome to NESSie. Experienced counsellors, arts therapists and ASC/LD specialists to support the mental health of children and young people.

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Bank of digital resources

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I am a carer or family member of someone autistic

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Keep Your Head brings together reliable information on mental health and wellbeing for children, young people, adults, professionals, and schools across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough.

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Keep Your Head brings together reliable information on mental health and wellbeing for children, young people, adults, professionals, and schools across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough.

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Please see our Sway for 2024-2025 to meet all the staff at South View ready for September!

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Sway: Create and share interactive reports, presentations, personal stories, and more.

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Sway is an easy-to-use digital storytelling app for creating interactive reports, presentations, personal stories and more. Its built-in design engine helps you create professional designs in minutes. With Sway, your images, text, videos, and other multimedia all flow together in a way that enhances your story. Sway makes sure your creations look great on any screen.

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Pablo - TV program on Cbeebies all about a little boy on the autistic spectrum

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Pablo - TV program on Cbeebies all about a little boy on the autistic spectrum

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Episodes on BBC iPlayer

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CBeebies Grown-Ups on Instagram: "Did you know that the voice cast and writing team of Pablo are all on the autistic spectrum?

Watch Pablo on @bbciplayer 

#CBeebies @pablotvshow #Pablo #PabloandFriends #AutismAwareness #AutisticPrideDay"

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622 likes, 29 comments - cbeebieshq on June 15, 2023: "Did you know that the voice cast and writing team of Pablo are all on the autistic spectrum?

Wat..."

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View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CBeebies Grown-Ups (@cbeebieshq)

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CBBC's 'A Kind of Spark' reminds young people that they have the power to make amazing change, just the way they are! Episodes are on BBC iPlayer. ✨ https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0f7q5jw/ad/a-kind-of-spark-series-1-1-the-spark?seriesId=p0f7q43y

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A range of resources about different subjects for children with Autism

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I have an autistic child

Autism is described as a lifelong, neurological difference of development that can affect the way a person communicates, interacts and processes the world around them.

Autism is a spectrum condition which is different for every person.

Spectrum means that an autistic person may have a wide range of differences and intensities meaning everyone's autism is different and unique to them. Each person will have different strengths, characteristics and difficulties/distresses. It doesn't mean they have something missing, are ill or need 'curing' it's just a different way of being and how we help may need to be different
"When you've met one autistic person, you've met one autistic person"
Some people call it Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) Other people might say Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Asperger Syndrome. Some autistic individuals might say they autistic, autistic person, or they autism, it depends on their preferences.
We are all unique and different in our own ways.
The key to understanding autism is to try to find out how an autistic person is experiencing the world around them, so the more your child can tell/show you, the more we can learn where they might need some extra help.
Where do we start? Let's see what The National Autistic Society has to say in the video below Go to https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism for more information.
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2. Focus on their strengths and interests
Having an autistic child can be worrying, frightening, confusing and exhausting for us and especially for them. We also know through working with schools and families that your children are.........
Make a list, or an All About Me poster, use pictures with your children/young people of things they are excellent at, things they do well. What they are knowledgable and passionate about.
3. Try completing the Paper Chain of Strengths activity with your child/young person created by understood.org.

This is a great visual activity to help showcase their strengths and interests, and it can be on display anywhere as a reminder of how amazing they are! It can also help as a reminder for those times when they are finding something more challenging.

4. Everyone could have a go at filling in the Know Your Normal Toolkit© from Ambitious about Autism to help your child / young person know what 'normal' means for them and other people. 'Differences' are ok!
Ambitious about autism resources
5. You could try completing the Autism Education Trusts Priorities Questionnaire below with your child to help you both find out what they'd like help with.

6. Share everything you learn with your child's family, friends and school if you think it would be useful in helping your child.
Please see the separate sections to find out more on specific topics you're interested in. If you are worried about your child's mental health and wellbeing click on the Healthy Minds or CAMHS tabs for more information, help and advice

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Autism is described as a lifelong, neurological difference of development that can affect the way a person communicates, interacts and processes the world around them. Autism is a spectrum condition which is different for every person. Spectrum means that an autistic person may have a wide range of differences and intensities meaning everyone's autism is different and unique to them.

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It helps children explore feelings around school, family, friends, the world and much, much more.

Ollee asks how you’re feeling and offers ideas about what to do. If you're not sure, Ollee will help you figure it out.

Children and parents can both create and connect Ollee accounts – to share advice together.

Try Ollee in a web browser or download the app to your device.

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The Usborne Unworry Pack is a collection of fun, mindful activities to help children and adults UNWORRY.

It's full of things to calm you down and distract you, and places where you can put your worries, instead of letting them hang around in your head.

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Children's mental health and wellbeing | Usborne | Be Curious

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Usborne mental health and wellbeing resources 

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Usborne mental health and wellbeing resources 

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Supporting children's and young people's mental wellbeing is very important, especially during these difficult times when our normal routines have been disrupted. Here are some simple mindfulness activities to help them.

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JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

Mindfulness activities for children

Supporting children's and young people's mental wellbeing is very important, especially during these difficult times when our normal routines have been disrupted. Here are some simple mindfulness activities to help them.

Mindfulness activities

Keep the worry monster at bay with these colouring, doodling, ripping, breathing and splatting activities.

Online mindfulness activities at Usborne Quicklinks

At Usborne Quicklinks you'll find links to carefully chosen websites with more calming and mindfulness activities. You can practise breathing exercises with a robot, listen to a song with ideas for calming down, think of a butterfly and colour a calm kangaroo...

From the blog

More tips and tricks on surviving lockdown and keeping the kids entertained and learning.

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Children's mental health and wellbeing | Usborne | Be Curious

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We are the leading UK independent publisher of children's books. Our books are available worldwide. Browse our catalogue and find out where to buy Usborne books

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Me, My Autism & I | Vanish & Ambitious about Autism | Hero Film

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An advert by Vanish but it shows a little insight into girls who have autism and some of the challenges they may face.

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Me, My Autism & I | Vanish & Ambitious about Autism | Hero Film

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Children's Speech and Language Therapy in Luton and Bedfordshire

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Downloadable visual timetable (save each individual image to print)

Further images here: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02DyUZKnbrM4E42MDeBRKU2PzLz1RLEVncSesnmQMUpM2KxhZcApA4nEYmQUUNyrgpl&id=100057376512302

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Children's Speech and Language Therapy in Luton and Bedfordshire

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Children's Speech and Language Therapy in Luton and Bedfordshire

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This week we are thinking about supporting children at home!

Visual schedules can be really useful to help children understand what they will be doing that day, morning, or afternoon.

Please keep...

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If you are an unpaid carer and would like support with your caring role, please complete the request for support form. A member of the Lincolnshire Carer Service will then be in touch to discuss your caring role and how we can support you.

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Request for support form

Request for support

If you are an unpaid carer and would like support with your caring role, try our online support tool. This online self-help tool is accessible 24/7 and is quick and simple to use. It provides you with support, services, and events specific to you in your caring role.

If you prefer to speak to someone over the telephone, please complete the request for support form. A member of the Lincolnshire Carer Service will then be in touch to discuss your caring role and how we can support you.

What is an unpaid Carer?

A Carer is anyone who cares for a friend or family member (unpaid) who, due to illness, disability, frailty, a mental health problem or addiction, cannot manage without their support (Source: Carers Trust). This does not include professional carers or carers through a voluntary organisation.

Carers receiving support from the Lincolnshire Carers Service

If you need to update or change your personal details, please call 01522 782224.

If you would like to contact us to discuss your current support needs, please call 01522 782224 or your named contact within the service.

If you need to speak to someone urgently

We will aim to contact you within 10 business days of your request to discuss your referral. However, if you feel that you or the person you are caring for are at risk or you are unable to continue your caring role, please do not complete the referral form and instead call 01522 782224 (8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday) or 01522 782333 (outside office hours).

How we use your data

Please read Lincolnshire County Council's Privacy Notice, which details how we collect and use your data.

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Request for support - Lincolnshire County Council

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Request for support If you are an unpaid carer and would like support with your caring role, try our online support tool. This online self-help tool is accessible 24/7 and is quick and simple to use. It provides you with support, services, and events specific to you in your caring role.

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When they’re thinking about suicide or feeling unsafe, young people have to know how and where to find help – and everyone else needs to know what to do and say when it matters most.

That’s why Papyrus exists.

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Skip to content

Watch the full video

Thinking of suicide?

Are you, or is a young person you know, not coping with life? For confidential suicide prevention advice contact HOPELINE247.

My whole way of thinking has changed. I feel positive about my future and the people around me. I'm now looking forward to the future and helping others just like me!

Thank you so much for the incredible support PAPYRUS and HOPELINE247 has given me. You helped me in that moment and it kept me alive.

I intend to continue to fundraise for and promote PAPYRUS. I am so proud and humbled to be involved with a wonderful charity, and to have received the support that I have.

Having been personally bereaved by suicide I understand the importance and need for our charity. I am surrounded by others who are as passionate as I am about saving lives.

* All feedback is provided by people who contact PAPYRUS. All feedback has full consent of the user and the user remains fully anonymous. Some feedback may have been adapted to keep the users anonymity.

Our latest news

Stay up to date with PAPYRUS; our news section is regularly updated with helpful advice and guidance, as well as information about our upcoming events and campaigns. If you have any questions or queries please get in touch.

Our upcoming events

Please see below some of our upcoming and exciting events including fundraisers and charity events we will be attending. For more information please get in touch.

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Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention | Prevention of Young Suicide

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PAPYRUS UK is a charity for the prevention of young suicide (under 35) in the UK | Call PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141 Now

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The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people. We are here to help you take on any challenge you’re facing - from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to us via our online community, on social, through our free, confidential helpline or our counselling service.

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Essential support for under 25s

The Mix is the UK's leading support service for young people. We are here to help you take on any challenge you're facing - from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to us via our online community, on social, through our free, confidential helpline or our counselling service.

Featured

The Mix. Registered charity number: 1048995

Log in

Welcome to The Mix, offering essential support for under 25s.

Log in to submit your own content on our platform Your Voices.

If you do not have an account with us you can sign up here.
I don't have a login

Forgotten password?

Sign up

Welcome to The Mix, the online guide to life for young people in the UK.

Your Voices is a community-focused section of The Mix where you can share stories about your experiences on a specific issue. Upload your own videos, images, blog posts, and playlists to Your Voices and share them with your friends.

Don't have a Your Voices account? Sign up here to submit your own content.

Already have log in, log in here.
I already have a login

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The Mix - Essential support for under 25s

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The Mix: 0808 808 4994 - Free information and support for under 25s in the UK. Get advice about sex, relationships, drugs, mental health, money & jobs.

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Don’t Lose Hope is a  charity that offers a professional counselling service for all  members of the community from age 4 upwards.   This is a free service for families/individuals receiving certain state benefits and affordable to all others. This service is delivered by a team of qualified and experienced counsellors, in private fully equipped counselling rooms. We rely on fundraising to ensure we can maintain this service. We raise funds through our Café, and Gift Shop and also through Donations.

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Don't Lose Hope is a charity that offers a professional counselling service for all members of the community from age 4 upwards. This is a free service for families/individuals receiving certain state benefits and affordable to all others. This service is delivered by a team of qualified and experienced counsellors, in private fully equipped counselling rooms. We rely on fundraising to ensure we can maintain this service. We raise funds through our Café, and Gift Shop and also through Donations.

Our online Gift Shop is now open providing unique and personalised gifts and collectibles for all. With something to suit all budgets, and a combination of handmade and locally produced goods, we are sure you will find something to match your needs.

Thank you for your Donations and support. Without these, we wouldn't be able to provide access to therapeutic and emotional support.
If you would like to learn more about how you can support us, please click here

Inside our Café we are proud to serve freshly ground coffee, handmade cakes and scones, freshly made sandwiches, baguettes and paninis and much more. All served by our amazing team of volunteers.

Our Community Garden and man shed are changing with the seasons and we are looking forward to welcoming these new additions as we head into an exciting new phase in our support provisions. You can now become a member to support us supporting you.

The café is open Monday to Friday 9-4 and Saturday 10-4, and is run by volunteers. This is a space where anyone can drop in and find someone to talk to, get involved in activities, make friends or just have a slice of cake and a cup of tea.

You can read here about our latest News

We are based at 4 North Street, Bourne, PE10 9HA.

We are looking for volunteers to cover a range of roles within the charity. If you are interested please email dlhvolunteers@gmail.com

You can find out more about our fundraising and other news through our facebook page.

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Don't Lose Hope is a charity that offers a professional counselling service for all members of the community from age 4 upwards. This is a free service for families/individuals receiving certain state benefits and affordable to all others. This service is delivered by a team of qualified and experienced counsellors, in private fully equipped counselling...

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The Young People’s Counselling Service (YPCS) 

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The Young People’s Counselling Service (YPCS) 

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The Young People’s Counselling Service (YPCS) is a registered charity providing a free and confidential service that can be accessed by anyone aged between 11 and 18 years old in emotional difficulty. Common problems we encounter include family and relationship difficulties, issues regarding loneliness and anxiety, problems associated with low self esteem and bullying, self harm, abuse, addiction, distress through bereavement or loss, depression and difficulty with decision making.

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The Young People’s Counselling Service – Supporting Young People

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A lovely episode all about worry and why worrying is normal! This can be found on iPlayer in the Cbeebies section.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b0bpmqrm/messy-goes-to-okido?seriesId=b0bpmqrm-structural-3-m001c98n

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Cambridgeshire County Council SEND Service 0-25

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Cambridgeshire County Council's video 'Why I am rude' - a poem about our perception of 'behaviour'.

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Moodboosters | Free primary school mental health resources - BBC Teach

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Moodboosters is series of interactive activities aimed at 5-11 year olds to help their mental and physical wellbeing. They can be done at home, school, or anywhere you like and are supported by some amazing people!

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Moodboosters | Free primary school mental health resources - BBC Teach

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Fun videos and resources for the PSHE curriculum to inspire KS1 / KS2 pupils to get moving for mental health and wellbeing.

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Understanding hyper or hypo sensitivities

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Over the next few months, we are creating a visual pack to support the development of understanding senses and how this may impact on an us.

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Parent booklet for grief and loss support

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Parent booklet for grief and loss support

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A guide for parents/carers on grief and loss

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A guide for parents/carers on grief and loss

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On this page, you'll find information to help you support your child or young person with grief and loss. We've also got advice about where you can find grief support services.

Get advice and updates directly to your inbox

Join our fight for children and young people's mental health. Sign up to the YoungMinds mailing list to receive our monthly e-newsletter, campaign updates, information about events and fundraising and other opportunities to get involved in our work.

Sign up to emails

Guide Menu for Grief and loss

What is grief?

Losing someone we love and feel close to, or going through a bereavement, can be extremely painful. Grief is our natural response to this loss, and it is a process rather than an event.

Your child or young person, as well as you and other family members, may be grieving because:

someone in the family has died, like a parent, grandparent or sibling

their friend or someone at school has died

they have lost someone by suicide

someone they are close to has become ill

a pet has died or been lost

What does grief feel like?

Grief feels different to every individual child or young person. Our feelings around grief also change over time.

It's important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. It's okay to feel whatever emotion we do, and to process it in our own way. It's a time for being kind and patient with ourselves.

You might sometimes hear people talk about the 'stages of grief' or the 'grief cycle'. These describe some of the common feelings that people who are grieving can experience.

What are the 'stages of grief'?

1. Denial - for example, feeling confused, numb or in shock.

2. Anger - this might be towards the person who has died, or with the world in general.

3. Bargaining - for example, going over things from the past, or feeling guilty or anxious.

4. Depression - this might feel like intense sadness or loneliness about living without the person.

5. Acceptance - this might be feeling more able to live with our grief, rather than feeling we have 'got over it'.

It's important to understand that not everyone experiences all these things, and that we do not move through these stages one-by-one.

We might move forwards or backwards between them, or experience them in any order. Or we might feel different emotions.

Your child or young person might also experience some of the physical signs of grief. These can include:

waves of crying, which can sometimes feel like they come out of the blue

feeling unwell or sick

eating more or less than before

being extremely tired

finding it difficult to get to sleep

finding it difficult to concentrate, including at school

It's helpful to remember that it is normal for your child or young person to feel and experience these things after a loss.

Tips for talking about grief and loss

If your child doesn't want to talk

If your child or young person feels uncomfortable about talking, you could try starting a conversation while doing an activity. This can help them to relax by making it feel less like a 'big chat'. Have a look at our activity suggestions to get some ideas.

It's also okay to give them some space, especially with older children and teenagers. Sometimes it helps to just sit together quietly, or to offer a hand squeeze or hug. Reassure them that it's okay to talk to someone else they trust too.

You can find more tips about talking in our guide.

Helping your child or young person to cope with grief

Supporting your child or young person with a sudden death

When someone they're close to dies suddenly or unexpectedly, children and young people are likely to feel extremely shocked. They may find it impossible to believe that it's happened, or feel numb and empty. They might find it difficult to talk, or to eat or drink. They may experience physical symptoms like tummy aches, headaches and being extremely tired. These reactions are a normal way of coping with huge shock.

In the days and weeks after a sudden death, the most important thing you can do is provide safety and support.

Grief and loss support services

There are lots of organisations who provide counselling and other types of support to families, children and young people after a bereavement.

Sometimes, the grieving process starts before someone dies. For example, when we know they are ill and they are going to die soon. This is sometimes called 'anticipatory grief'. In pre-bereavement counselling, your child or young person can talk through their feelings and worries. Some hospices and other organisations offer this service. Speak to the professionals supporting your family to see what's available.

In bereavement or grief counselling, your child or young person will have a space to talk. They can also start to process some of their feelings around what's happened. You may be able to access this service through:

Let your child or young person know about the grief support services that are available to them via phone, text or online chat. You can find a list of support services below.

Over the longer-term, a counsellor or therapist can listen, provide emotional support and help your child or young person to make sense of their feelings. They can also support them to find ways of coping. You can find out how your child or young person can access counselling and therapy in our guide for parents.

If you have wider concerns about your child's mental health, it's a good idea to speak to the GP about next steps. They can find out more about what's going on and refer your child for more specialist help.

Looking after yourself

Supporting a young person who is grieving can be a very emotional experience. Take time to look after yourself and top up your own batteries when you can. If you are also grieving, things may feel overwhelming at times. Allow space for your own grief too. Remember that it's okay to ask for help from family and friends when you need it.

If you need support with your own grief, or you're struggling to cope, it's really important that you get the help you need. This will make you more able to be there for your child. You can access counselling, helpline support and support groups via the grief services listed below.

Useful helplines and websites

While we take care to ensure that the organisations we signpost to provide high quality information and advice, we cannot take responsibility for any specific pieces of advice they may offer. We encourage parents and carers to always explore the website of a linked service or organisation to understand who they are and what support they offer before engaging with them.

Help us improve our content

Whether you love the page or think something is missing, we appreciate your feedback. It all helps us to support more young people with their mental health.

Please be aware that this form isn't a mental health support service. If your child is in crisis right now and you want to talk to someone urgently, find out who to contact on our urgent help page.

At YoungMinds we take your privacy seriously. If you'd like to read more about how we keep the information we collect safe, take a look at our privacy policy.

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A guide to supporting a child or young person with grief, bereavement or loss, including information about finding grief counselling and other help.

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Supporting a bereaved child who is autistic

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Supporting a bereaved child who is autistic

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Just like any other child, an autistic child will need their grief to be recognised and understood and to be given opportunities to express how they feel. Because of the nature of their autism, an autistic child may not respond to the death of someone close to them in the same way as other children but this does not mean they are not grieving. This information covers some of the challenges bereaved autistic children may face, and ideas for what might help.

How autism may affect a child or young person

Due to differences in how they process information and understand and understand abstract ideas, autistic children may have specific problems in developing their own ideas about death and the rituals that surround it. Other difficulties they face may relate to:

Mindblindness

An autistic child may find it more difficult to see things from another's point of view. This may make it hard for them to understand other people's feelings and behaviours, including not realising that others can help.

Information processing

An autistic child may have difficulties in understanding the rituals surrounding a death and in understanding the implications of a death. For example, they may not understand that because someone has died, this means they will not be there at the weekend, to take them to school or to celebrate a birthday.

Language and communication

An autistic child may find it difficult to understand abstract concepts and, as with any bereaved child, it can help to use clear, specific, concrete language, avoiding phrases such as 'gone away' or 'lost', which can be confusing. Autistic children may also find it difficult to let you know how they are feeling and to ask for support.

Preoccupations

An autistic child's focus on specific things may increase or grow more intense due to anxiety.

Imagination, time perception and memory

These may lead to difficulty in understanding the impact of a death. For example, understanding changes to routines, anticipating how things might be in the future and understanding events that they have not experienced before.

As well as suffering the loss of the person that has died, autistic children can be further distressed by all the changes that might happen in their day-to-day lives as a result of the bereavement. Below are suggestions on how to help support an autistic child who is bereaved.

Preparing for loss in advance

If the death of someone close is expected, children or young people can be prepared in advance and in a gradual way. They may need to be prepared for visits to a hospice or hospital. It is particularly helpful if they can be told beforehand about any changes they might notice, for example in the ill person's appearance (how they might sound, look or feel to the touch) or in everyday activities and routines. You may also need to explain whether there will be medical equipment such as intravenous lines or a ventilator, and that this might be noisy.

Keep to normal daily routines as much as possible.

Use clear, concrete language, avoiding euphemisms and abstract ideas.

Explain any likely changes in routine in advance, giving details about who will be doing what and when.

Use pictures and photographs to explain what will happen and when and how. For example, pictures of the hospice, or of the taxi that will take them to school or to swimming from now on.

Use calendars or other visual aids, for example, to mark hospital visits, as well as significant positive events such as visits to the park.

It can be helpful to develop rituals to mark a death, such as lighting a candle when an animal dies. The same ritual can then be used when a person dies.

When a death has happened

When someone dies, a child may need help in understanding the idea of death as well as opportunities to express their grief.

Use simple, concrete language and avoid euphemisms such as 'lost', 'passed away' or 'gone to sleep'. You may need to explain what dead means in concrete terms. You might say: 'When someone is dead their body is no longer working and their heart has stopped. A dead body cannot move or feel anything, so there is no pain.'

Use lots of examples to explain that death is permanent and not reversible, in a way that is appropriate to the child's understanding:

When someone has died they can never come back to life again.

Where possible, use pictures and real objects. Try to use a biological approach that is practical, clear, and visual, with concrete examples. For example, comparing a dead fish with a live fish, or observing flowers wilting and dying, or talking about what dead means when they come across a dead bird, for example.

Answer the child's questions as they arise - which may mean answering the same questions repeatedly. Answer simply, and honestly, and at an appropriate level for the child's understanding. Give enough information to answer the child's question, but without adding a confusing amount of detail.

Prepare the child for ceremonies or rituals that will include them, by visiting the relevant places beforehand. It may help to use photographs and draw up an explanatory story using words and pictures to explain what will happen. Clearly explain what the child is expected to do and show what other people will be doing and saying, and what will be happening around them.

Help the child to learn how to recognise different feelings and emotions in themselves and others as well as learning appropriate ways of expressing their feelings. You can do this by using everyday situations and events to point out different emotions in other people (such as on TV programmes, in magazines and stories), by using consistent and simple language to label emotions from the child's own experiences and by using pictures. Using pictures is particularly helpful for autistic children, and a 'feelings thermometer' can help a child express the intensity of an emotion. You can do this by drawing a picture of a thermometer with a rating scale up the side. Encourage the child to show where they are on the scale to rate the strength of their anger/sadness/worry. Similarly, using a picture of a volcano to illustrate anger and how it sometimes 'boils over' can be helpful.Using a 'comic strip conversations' technique can help others understand what an autistic child is thinking and feeling and can provide the opportunity to discuss things that the child might otherwise find difficult. This can help identify misunderstandings and highlight emotions that have perhaps not been openly expressed, or that have shown in other ways.

Keeping memories alive

When someone important to a child or young person dies, memories are an important part of the grief process. The person may be physically gone from the child's life, but the emotional bond will still be there. This is particularly true when a parent or main carer dies. Memories help any child to construct a sense of who it is they are grieving for and why. All memories have a part to play, whether of happy times or times that were not so good.

A piece of fabric, from an item of clothing worn by the person who has died, carried in a pocket or made into a cushion, can be comforting.

Similarly, smelling the favourite perfume or aftershave of the dead person on a hanky can be reassuring.

Putting together a memory box of physical reminders, chosen by the child. This can help give some insight into factors and events that are key to the relationship with the dead person. Try to include something relating to all five senses. A memory box, therefore, might include pictures of the person and pictures of things that person enjoyed, a small object that belonged to the person, a piece of fabric that is associated with that person (that may have a particular 'feel' to it), a memory stick with a playlist of music that the person enjoyed or videos of them, and something that reminds the child of the smell of that person (such as perfume, aftershave, toothpaste or deodorant).

Listening to audio tapes of the voice or favourite music of the dead person may be familiar and comforting.

Using photographs can help to create a timeline to spark off memories of significant events, and then build a life story of the person.

Visit our page: How we can support you for more on our services.

You can also call our Helpline 0800 02 888 40 , email , or use Live Chat on our website.

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Short films delivered by our support practitioners giving guidance on a range of bereavement topics. Read more

A list of books and resources relating to grief and bereavement and what may help. Read more

Watch short films and read experiences of bereaved families and how support has helped them. Read more

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Ways of recognising and understanding the grief of a bereaved autistic child and providing support.

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You can also contact the Here4You helpline (Healthy Minds) on 0800 234 6342.

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Children and young people grieve just as much as adults but they show it in different ways. They learn how to grieve by copying the responses of the adults around them, and rely on adults to provide them with the support they need in their grief.
Further guidance that may be helpful:
How might bereaved children react and what may help?

Children and young people have a limited ability to put feelings and thoughts into words and tend to show feelings with behaviours rather than words. Reactions will vary greatly as children absorb and process information in different ways at different ages.

The following reactions are common, and are likely to settle over time with reassurance, acknowledging what has happened and their feelings, giving them clear and age-appropriate information, and keeping to normal routines.

Picking up on tension and distress

Children pick up on tension, distress or anxiety in adults, and may mirror this in their own behaviour. Even babies sense that something important is missing, and may cry more than usual. Children of all ages may be clingy or unsettled.

Appearing not to react

Children under 6 years old do not understand that death is permanent. Children cannot handle strong emotions for long periods, and may jump quickly in and out of grief ('puddle jumping'). When told that someone important has died, some children may look blank and ask 'can I play' or 'what's for tea?' They may have heard, but they are not able to process what that means yet. They may react later with sudden crying, outbursts, changes in behaviour or asking questions.

Asking questions and exploring what death means

Children may ask repeatedly: "When's Nanny coming back?" or "Where has she gone?" even though they've been told clearly what has happened. They may hunt everywhere for a 'lost' person, and so a clear explanation of what 'died' means may help. Children may play games where the person dies, or is still alive. They may seem fascinated with death, play-act about death or ask repeatedly about it. All of these are ways that children show that they are processing their understanding of what has happened.

Feeling anxious or insecure

When someone dies, a child's sense of safety is rocked. They may not want to leave you, and may cling to you or follow you everywhere. They may behave as if they are younger: being very quiet or tearful, having temper flare-ups, sucking their thumb, being reluctant to do things they used to do with confidence, or wetting the bed.

Try to keep to normal routines which will help them feel safe, and keep them informed about plans for the days ahead. Tell them who will take them to school or activities. If you need to leave them, tell them when you will be home, or who will be looking after them.
Include them in simple decision-making that affects them. If the person who died was ill, address any fears about the illness (for example that it is not catching), and reassure them that you are not ill and not leaving them.

Anger

Anger and other strong emotions are natural reactions to sad or shocking news, and some children and young people may not be able to understand or manage their own feelings. They may feel angry at the person who died, at family, at themselves or at the world in general.

It can help to tell them it is understandable for them to be angry, as long as they don't hurt themselves or anyone else. Safe ways to release anger include hitting cushions, vigorous physical exercise, messy painting sessions, or going outside to shout very loudly.

Another idea is a 'safe zone' where they can go to calm down. This could be a quiet corner with familiar items that help them to feel safe.

Looking after adults or feeling responsible

As children realise that death is permanent, they also become aware that it happens to other people including themselves. They may be protective and try to look after their important adults and siblings. They may feel that they were somehow responsible for the death.

Primary aged children may show 'magical thinking' where they think 'if I do this, Dad will come back'. They may behave very well to compensate for what's happened, or be less well-behaved because they feel angry or guilty.

Denying what has happened or taking risks

Bereavement can be overwhelming, and can bring huge changes, alongside other challenges that young people face as they grow up. They may want to forget or deny the death or how strongly they feel. They may feel 'what's the point?' with school or social activities. Some young people may be impulsive or take risks, in an attempt to get back some control in a life that for them currently feels very out of control.

What helps grieving children and young people

Every child is unique and will cope with the death of someone important in their own way. There is no magic formula but things that help include:

Clear, honest and age-appropriate information

Reassurance that they are not to blame and that different feelings are OK

Normal routines and a clear demonstration that important adults are there for them

Time to talk about what has happened, ask questions and build memories

Being listened to and given time to grieve in their own way

Further information

More about how children and young people grieve, and what helps:

Finding support

For many bereaved children and young people, they may get all the support they need from those already around them that they know and trust. However, some children and young people may need additional support depending on their situation.

Latest

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Short films delivered by our support practitioners giving guidance on a range of bereavement topics. Read more

A list of books and resources relating to grief and bereavement and what may help. Read more

Watch short films and read experiences of bereaved families and how support has helped them. Read more

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charity bereavement child death grief loss baby stillbirth miscarriage suicide young people

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Supporting bereaved children and young people

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Children and young people grieve just as much as adults but they show it in different ways. Find out how you can help them and more about child grieving.

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Supporting children with SEND with grief and loss

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Supporting children with SEND with grief and loss

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Supporting grieving children and young people with SEND

There are an estimated 44,496 children with SEND bereaved of a parent in the UK* and, just like all bereaved children and young people, they need support to understand and cope with their grief. Adults are naturally inclined to want to protect and shield children from difficult and sad situations, and this may be even more so for children with special educational needs and disabilities due to their ability to understand death. Below is some information and guidance on how to support bereaved children with SEND, and the specialist support Winston's Wish can offer grieving families.

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Bereavement support for children with SEND | Winston's Wish

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Supporting grieving children and young people with SEND There are an estimated 44,496 children with SEND bereaved of a parent in the UK* and, just like all bereaved children and young people, they need support to understand and cope with their grief.

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The following information could help if your child has lost or is about to lose someone, such as a family member or friend.

If your child is about to lose someone

If a child has a loved one, such as a friend or family member who's going to die, they can benefit from special support.

A child's stress level is often at its highest before bereavement because of fear and the unknown.

Pre-bereavement counselling gives a child a chance to think and talk about their feelings and share their worries.
The YoungMinds website has more information on counselling services for children and young people
Making a memory box

If you're a parent and you know you're going to die, you could make a memory box to give to your child, or make one together.

A memory box contains things that remind you both of your time together. It can provide an important link between you and your child once you've gone.
Macmillan Cancer Support has information about making a memory box

If a child has lost someone

Talk about the person who has died

During bereavement, it can help a child to talk about the person who's died, whether it was a grandparent, parent, brother, sister or friend.

Direct, honest and open communication is more helpful than trying to protect your child by hiding the truth. If you exclude them from family ceremonies and services after someone has died it could make them feel excluded.

This can also help your child be open about their own feelings and avoid confusion about what has happened. It may be helpful to talk as a family, perhaps with your child, about how to include them in any events that celebrate or say goodbye to the person who has died.

It's important for them to have someone with whom they can talk about that person and share their emotions. This could be through photos, games, memory boxes or stories.

Over time, children may start to talk more about their loss at different times and in different ways. Young children may start talking about death or including it in their play, but this is normal and is a way for them to make sense of what has happened.

Further support for your child

There are also bereavement charities that offer helplines, email support, and online communities and message boards for children.

These include:

Child Bereavement UK - call 0800 028 8840 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or email helpline@childbereavementuk.org

Cruse Bereavement Care - call 0808 808 1677 Monday and Friday, 9.30am to 5pm; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9.30am to 8pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2pm

Grief Encounter - call 0808 802 0111 Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm, or email contact@griefencounter.org.uk

Hope Again - call 0808 808 1677 Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm, or email hopeagain@cruse.org.uk

Winston's Wish - call 0808 802 0021 Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, or email ask@winstonswish.org

You can also find out more about children and bereavement from the Childhood Bereavement Network
Make a memory box

If the person who's died did not leave a memory box, you could make one with your child.

It can include:

gifts

shells collected on the beach

memories written on a card

anything that makes the child feel connected to that person

Don't forget to look after yourself

It's important to make sure you're also getting the support you need after a loss. This can also help you to better support your child.
Read more about getting help with grief after bereavement or loss

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Find out what to do and where to find bereavement support if your child has lost a loved one or has a loved one who's dying.

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Jack and William

Jack explains why he and his brother William, aged 24 and 19, are walking 115 miles from Northampton to Manchester to fundraise for Child Bereavement UK

Katie

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Why support is needed

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Young people we have supported talk about some of the difficulties they faced and what helped them after the death of their mum or dad.

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It is important to tell a child of any age when someone important in their lives has died, and ideally this is done by someone who is closest to them.

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Children and young people grieve just as much as adults but they show it in different ways. Find out how you can help them and more about child grieving.

When a grandparent dies - the impact on children and young people

The death of a grandparent is often a child or young person’s first encounter with the death of someone important. Parents have a great deal to manage when their own parent or carer dies. There is the grief associated with their own loss, but also the reactions and responses of their children to the death of a grandparent.

Grieving for a child of any age

The agony of losing a child of any age is unparalleled. There is no age or point in time that makes it any easier. No parent expects to face the death of their child and no grandparent expects to lose their grandchild.

Grief and bereavement in Gypsy and Traveller families

Death and bereavement are experiences common to most of us and few of us go through life without experiencing the death of someone close. Each situation is unique and how we respond to such a death is very individual.

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Babies and young children have no understanding of the concept of death yet, long before they are able to talk, babies are likely to react to upset and changes in their environment brought about by the absence of a significant person.

Child Bereavement UK training

Child Bereavement UK designs and delivers training for professionals in health and social care, education, and the voluntary and corporate sectors, equipping them to provide the best possible care to bereaved families.

Contact us

Contact one of the Child Bereavement UK centres or get in touch with one of our departments.

Explaining funerals, burial and cremation to children

The following are suggestions to give you the confidence to talk about funerals in a way that feels right for you and your children.

Books and resources for children and young people

This list includes books and resources for bereaved children and young people, including those with special educational or additional needs.

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Short guidance films

Our short films are delivered by support practitioners and cover a range of topics on grief and bereavement, providing guidance on what can help. Read more

Books and resources

A list of books and resources relating to grief and bereavement and what may help. Read more

Others' experiences

Some bereaved families find it helpful to read about other peoples’ experiences and how the support they have received has helped them. Read more

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Parents supported by Child Bereavement UK talk about some of the issues they faced when looking after bereaved children, whilst grieving themselves, and what helped them. Latest Related Most read Tag cloud Our short films are delivered by support practitioners and cover a range of topics on grief and bereavement, providing guidance on what can help.

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Using stories and activities can be a really good way to explore issues with a child who has been bereaved. We have created a list of books, which we have found helpful when working with bereaved children, young people and their families. There are also textbooks and reference sources for people working in the area of child bereavement.

The books are arranged in the following categories (click to jump to each section):

BOOKS FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 5

Benny's Hat is an illustrated children's book, which gently deals with the difficult subject of a sibling's death to cancer in a way very young children can understand. Told from the point of view of Friz, the book tells the story of her brother Benny's illness, death and Friz's grief. The book shows how children might deal with serious illness and death differently to adults and gives adult readers examples of how to support children when a sibling is not expected to live.

Miffy and her family are really sad. Grandma Bunny has died and it's time for them to say goodbye and thank Grandma Bunny for everything she did for them. Suitable for very young children, this book tells the story of what happened and how Miffy felt and coped when Grandma died. This touching Miffy story celebrates the life and loss of loved ones. Simple illustrations and straightforward text combine to tackle the death of a loved one in a direct and uncomplicated manner.

This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of a little boy who's told that his pet mouse has died. At first, he doesn't believe it, thinking it's just asleep, but by asking lots of questions & with the help of his family he begins to accept Mousie's death. This would be very helpful to introduce death to young children and a starting point to discuss what happens after someone dies and the different feelings one may have.

This bright and colourful picture book very simply talks about life and death. It briefly covers a range of issues such as why people die, how you may feel when someone dies and what happens afterwards. It includes questions for the reader to answer about their own experiences and a section at the back for adults on how to best use the book. An excellent educational book, which could be used as a starting point for discussion.

This honest, sensitive and beautifully illustrated picture book is designed to help explain the concept of death to very young children. It is based on the real-life conversations that Elke Barber had with her then three-year-old son, Alex, after the sudden death of his father and is written in Alex's own words. The book provides reassurance and understanding to readers through clear and honest answers to the difficult questions that can follow the death of a loved one.

This extraordinary book deals with the loss of a parent from a child's point of view. Beautifully illustrated, the book explores the many emotions a bereaved child may experience, from anger to guilt and from sadness to bewilderment. And importantly, the book also focuses on the positive - the recognition that the child is still part of a family, and that his memories of his mother are to be treasured.

A colourfully illustrated children's book to help explain sibling loss to young children. Ellen's new baby brother Stewart has been 'lost'. Ellen looks in all the cupboards for Stewart and even in the washing machine - then her family helps her understand that Stewart has died and isn't going to come back. The book ends with a guide to bereavement for children written by qualified clinicians.

This book celebrates the unconditional love between a parent and child. From the heartfelt to the light hearted and with many moments in between that are sure to make readers smile and reminisce, this book helps families to remind children how much they are loved, each and every day.

This picture book aims to help very young children to understand what happens to the body after someone has died. Through telling the true story of what happened to his daddy's body, we follow three-year-old Alex as he learns about cremation, burial and spreading ashes. Full of questions written in Alex's own words, and with the gentle, sensitive and honest answers of his mother, this story will reassure any young child who might be confused about death and what happens afterwards.

This wonderful, engaging lift-the-flap book offers simple answers to the sort of questions children ask about death, dying, grief, feelings and memories. The questions and answers are clear and straightforward and illustrated by charming drawings of animals. Suitable for children who have been bereaved and also for those who have questions about why things die.

BOOKS FOR AGE 5 TO 8 YEARS

By Isabel Otter, illustrated by Katie Rewse, 2019
ISBN: 978-1848578906
This story is about a little girl and her father who rebuild their lives and plant a 'garden of hope' after something happens: 'Things had changed since Mum had been gone... ' . Whether Mum has died or has left the family is not made clear. With some words added by the reader, this could be used in either situation and offers a comforting story of the two planting and growing together. The story features a BAME family and is for ages 4 to 10.

This magical story sensitively offers children and families an opportunity to share the journey of its characters finding their way through grief. With its imagery and language exploring the themes of bereavement; this story offers children and families time and a safety within which to talk about death, loss and emotions.

This accessible picture book offers a simple approach to coping with loss, loneliness or separation with an imaginative twist that children can easily understand. Even though you can't always be physically with your loved ones, there is an invisible string always connecting them to the people you love. A great tool for beginning conversations about death and for children who are dealing with loss.

This book tells the story of Jamie, his mum and his twin sisters, and of how Jamie comes to deal with the death of his father. A beautifully illustrated book that will be helpful for parents when talking to children bereaved by the suicide of a close relative.

By Miriam Moss, illustrated by Lisa Flather
ISBN: 978-1841215679
Sunny the cat is loved by all his human family, but one day there is a knock at the door - Sunny has been killed in an accident. A sensitive story which aims to help children come to terms with death.

This is a beautifully illustrated book that guides children gently through 17 of the 'big' questions they often ask about death and dying. Questions such as 'is being dead like sleeping?', 'why do people have to die?' and 'where do dead people go?' are answered simply, truthfully and clearly to help adults explain to children what happens when someone dies.

This factual picture book uses cartoon dinosaurs to illustrate the text and comment on what is said. It is a bright and colourful book that explains death in a simple and unthreatening way. It covers many issues including 'why does someone die?', 'feelings about death' and 'saying goodbye'. It would be an excellent resource for anyone caring for young children.

Lily's uncle died before she was born but when she asks where he is, she receives confusing answers from members of her family until her sister helps her understand. Featuring a multicultural family, this lovely book could help with conversations about death and beliefs about life. It could also be adapted to help children talk about any member of their family who had died before the children were born.

BOOKS FOR AGE 9-12 YEARS

This sensitive book is a useful tool in explaining to children that death is a part of life and that, eventually, all living things reach the end of their own special lifetimes. It clearly explains about life and death focussing on plants, animals and insects before moving on to people. It emphasises that death is part of the life cycle and is natural and normal whenever it occurs.

This tender and moving rhyming poem, with charming illustrations which is both a love letter to Lisa's own daughters and a testament to the unwavering strength of parental love, a timeless message for families facing the challenges of bereavement. Mother of two, Lisa Wells, was diagnosed with terminal cancer at the age of 31 and these two books grew from her determination to leave a lasting legacy for her daughters and her desire to help other families.

This book is a simple but emotive story chronicling Michael's grief at the death of his son Eddie from meningitis at the age of 19. He talks about what sad is and how it affects him and what he does to cope with it. A moving combination of sincerity and simplicity, it acknowledges that sadness is not always avoidable or reasonable and perfects the art of making complicated feeling plain. It is wonderfully honest and will appeal to children and adults of all ages.

A short, simple story of a young girl who's Dad has died. It talks about the ups and downs of a family finding their way through bereavement and how things slowly get easier as time goes. Milly misses her Dad and things are just not the same anymore. She knows when people die, they can't come back but she still keeps a wish to see her Dad one more time.

Told through the eyes of 10-year-old Jamie, this book sensitively tackles issues around grief, terrorism, racism and bullying. We meet Jamie in the midst of his family falling apart after the traumatic death of his older sister Rose - her urn on the mantelpiece is the only constant in an otherwise unsettling life. His mother leaves, his father turns to alcohol, and Jamie and his sister Jasmine are left to fend for themselves. With surprising friendships and cunning plans, Jamie and Jas muddle through in the way that only children can.

Verity's Mum died the day she was born but she rarely talks about her. Verity doesn't want to upset her Dad or Grandparents. This humorous but sensitive story mainly focuses on Verity's missing cat Mabel but reveals some of the misunderstandings and anxieties children can have about death. It also shows it can be good to be open, honest and to talk about difficult issues.

This booklet is aimed at supporting parents or carers to explain to their child what cancer means and how it may affect their family and encourages open communication and questions about cancer within the family. Through pictures, captions and straightforward language, it explains how tumours are formed, what the various treatments are and how these may affect the person with cancer. It stresses the need to keep to family routines and, importantly, to still try and have fun. It is aimed at children aged 7 to 10 years and will work best when an adult is present to expand on the simple messages in the text.

This book for older children is a factual guide, answering questions such as 'why do people have to die?', 'is it okay to cry?' and 'what is a funeral/memorial service?' It is written in a straightforward way, with practical tips, advice and information about different faiths and beliefs. It describes the strong, confusing feelings you might have and suggests ways to feel better. He tells you it's okay to cry, talk about the death, grieve, and go on with your life.

BOOKS FOR AGE 13 - 16 YEARS

This is a moving and funny book about a young teenage girl, Hazel, who has been diagnosed with lung cancer and attends a cancer support group where she meets Augustus. The couple embarks on a rollercoaster of emotions, including love, sadness and romance, while searching for the author of their favourite book.

This moving fantasy novel is the story of a 13-year-old boy who is coping with the diagnosis of his mother's cancer. A book about stories and myths, about courage and loss and the fear of loss. Conor has the same dream every night, ever since his mother first fell ill, ever since she started treatments that don't quite seem to be working. But tonight is different. Tonight, when he wakes, there's a visitor at his window.

This book was written after the author spoke to thousands of teenagers and found they often felt forgotten after someone has died. Written in short, clear sentences that are easy to read, it covers feelings, different types of death and the future. This book gives the reader many options of what can happen, how s/he may feel, giving advice and reassuring readers grief is normal.

Teenage life is difficult enough for Gary and John, but when their Mum dies in a car accident, things get steadily worse. John struggles to keep the peace as Gary goes off the rails, saying his new mates are now his family. With GCSE exams looming and his Dad going out on dates, things become unbearable for John. A gripping book exploring relationships and how different people react to life events.

OTHER HELPFUL BOOKS (NOT DIRECTLY ABOUT DEATH)

There are a number of books that do not directly deal with death or bereavement but may help the reader face difficult feelings.

It's time for bed but Arthur wants to stay up so he gets really angry. Every time someone tells him 'that's enough' his anger gets bigger and bigger and takes over the world until he wonders why he was so angry in the first place. A wonderful imaginative story that many children (and adults) will be able to relate to.

A rhyming story with large, bright pictures about Small, a young fox who is feeling cross because no one loves him. Large, then reassures him that she'll love him no matter what. A fun and imaginative book that only briefly talks about death but would be a useful to help support a young child through difficult times.

A 'little thing' has been stuck in the attic for so long, he has even forgotten its name. When the owners move house and leave him behind, he sets off on an adventure to discover who he really is. A lovely book about families and the feeling that you belong. It could be used in many situations, particularly with a child who is feeling unsettled.

Something Else doesn't belong and has no one to be friends with, until one day Nothing knocks at his door and although they seem very different, they get along and become friends. These unusual looking characters capture the feelings of young people in a sensitive and fun way. A lovely book that could reassure children who feel unsettled within their peer group.

There are also many books where death is not the main focus of the story but features bereavement or the main character has been bereaved. These include:

BOOKS FOR ADULTS SUPPORTING A BEREAVED CHILD

A useful and informative introduction for any adult who is supporting a child through bereavement. Covering a variety of issues that may affect a child when a person close to them dies, both immediately and in the longer term, the booklet also offers practical activities to do together and a section on further reading and support.

The book tells of how Dr Morrison's life slowly slips away during the last few weeks of his life. Interspersed with this are the author's recollections of his father, who whilst being a difficult man at times, always remained a loving husband and father. The author is at all times open and honest - sometimes brutally so - and lays open his feelings for all to share. One of the strengths of the book is that whilst it is about the death of a loved one it never gets too mawkish or sentimental and remains at all times a good read.

This book offers practical guidance for families and professionals when someone is seriously ill and may die. It covers talking with children about what is happening and will happen in their family and offers an overview of some of the feelings and thoughts people may have. Practical guidance, ideas for activities and suggestions of helpful resources are offered alongside where to find support.

Explaining to a child that someone has died by suicide is possibly one of the most difficult situations that a parent or carer might ever face. This booklet offers practical advice for families in the immediate days and weeks when suicide has been the cause of death. The booklet includes child-friendly activities for you to do as a family as you begin to make sense of what has happened and start to look at ways in which your family can learn to cope.

This is a very practical and useful book written for adults to help them understand how children feel when someone important in their life dies. It covers areas such as children's grief reactions at different developmental levels, sex differences and different types of death. It makes many useful suggestions about how children can be helped to cope with their grief in an open, honest and positive way.

This booklet offers practical advice for families in the immediate days, weeks and months following a murder. It is written for both parents and professionals, giving them the confidence to involve children and young people in understanding and managing the particular difficulties and complexities that so often surround a death by murder or manslaughter. The booklet includes child-friendly activities to do with children or as a family to help them to make sense of what has happened and to begin to express their grief.

A key focus of early childhood is the relationships that children form with the important people in their lives - usually parents, carers and siblings. Bereavement during a child's early years interrupts the attachment that they have with that person. In the absence of strong memories of their own, it can be hard for a young child to remember the person who has died and to feel connected to them. This booklet is designed for parents, carers, childcare professionals and other adults supporting children up to the age of 5 who have experienced the death of a parent or carer. It offers information and ideas as well as some activities which we hope will benefit children and their families.

This guide for parents recognises that many adults find it hard to honestly and openly explain death to children, especially when faced with their own grief. It includes quotes and examples from other parents and suggestions of what to say to a child as well as general advice.

In this booklet we offer information that aims to be helpful to families and professionals who come into contact with children and young people from military families who have been bereaved. We also suggest practical ideas and describe the services that Winston's Wish can offer nationally.

We All Grieve looks at how children with SEND are affected by a bereavement, how those around them can support them and help to develop the child's understanding of death and loss. This book is designed for parents, carers, educational professionals and other adults supporting children and young adults with SEND who have experienced the death of someone close to them. It offers information, practical suggestions and ideas for activities as well as where to find other support.

The transition from childhood to adulthood can be a challenging process at the best of times. This booklet aims to help you understand what normal adolescent development is, and to recognise the additional problems teenagers may face if someone important dies during these years. This booklet is based on many years' experience of working with bereaved teenagers, families and professionals who support them and the information here will help you to consider how to respond to the individual needs of a bereaved teenager.

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Using stories and activities can be a really good way to explore issues with a child who has been bereaved. We have created a list of books, which we have found helpful when working with bereaved children, young people and their families. There are also textbooks and reference sources for people working in the area of child bereavement.

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Books for children

When someone has a very serious illness: children can learn to cope with loss and change (1991) by Marge Heegaard (Woodland Press)

A book that was created to help children understand the changes when someone in their family has a serious illness. Each section of text has a blank space underneath for children to illustrate and show their own feelings about what's happened.

Muddles, Puddles and Sunshine: Your Activity Book to Help When Someone Has Died (Early Years) (2001) by Diana Crossley and Kate Sheppard (Hawthorn Press)

Offering practical and sensitive support for bereaved children, this book suggests a helpful series of activities and exercises accompanied by the friendly characters of Bee and Bear.

When someone very special dies: children can learn to cope with grief (1988) by Marge Heegaard (Woodland Press)

This book helps children come to terms with their grief by drawing what they're feeling.

What Does Dead Mean?: A Book for Young Children to Help Explain Death and Dying (2012)by Caroline Jay and Jenni Thomas (Jessica Kingsley Publishers)

This book guides children through questions they often ask about death and dying. It's suitable for children aged four and above and is an ideal book for parents and carers to read with their children. It's also suitable for teachers, therapists and counsellors working with young children.

Gentle Willow: A Story for Children about Dying (2003) by Joyce C. Mills (Magination Press)

Written for children who may not survive their illness or for the children who know them, this tale helps address feelings of disbelief, anger, and sadness, along with love and compassion. Amanda and Little Tree discover that their friend Gentle Willow isn't feeling very well.

Michael Rosen's Sad Book (2011) by Michael Rosen and Quentin Blake (Walker Books)

This chronicles Michael's grief at the death of his son Eddie from meningitis at the age of 19. A moving combination of sincerity and simplicity, it acknowledges that sadness is not always avoidable or reasonable and explains complicated feelings in simple terms.

Overcoming Loss by Julia Sorensen (2008) (Jessica Kingsley Publishers)

This book is full of creative and play-based activities to help children understand and come to terms with different emotions including shame, anger and jealousy.

Badger's parting gifts (1984) by Susan Varley (Anderson Press)

Many families have found this book useful when helping children to come to terms with the death of someone close. It tells the story of Badger's peaceful death and his friends remembering what Badger taught them while he was alive.

The coat I wear (2014) by Mel Maxwell and Michelle Stewart (I Am Somewhat Ltd)

A story which follows the grief of a child after their sibling dies. They describe their grief like wearing a heavy, uncomfortable coat, which over time becomes easier to wear.

The invisible string (2000) by Patrice Karst and Geoff Stevenson (DeVorss and Co)

The Invisible String looks at how to cope with loneliness and separation from someone you love. Suitable for ages three and above.

The memory tree (2013) by Britta Teckentrup (Hachette Children's Group)

A book which teaches children to celebrate the memories of someone who's died. When Fox lies down in the woods and falls asleep forever, his friends gather round to tell stories about his life.

Water bugs and dragonflies: explaining death to young children (1982) by Doris Stickney (The Pilgrim Press)

A storybook which helps to answer some of the questions children might have about death, by telling the story of a water bug who turns into a dragonfly.

When dinosaurs die: a guide to understanding death (1996) by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown (Little, Brown books for young readers)

A book which helps answer the questions children might have about death using simple language.

Where are you Lydie? by Emma Poore, 2019 (Emma Poore)

A picture book for children aged three to seven. It is a guide for young children and their parents to explore death and bereavement together. It can help to start difficult conversations or explore the questions that may come up after someone dies.

Books for adults (about children)

As big as it gets: supporting a child when a parent is seriously ill (1997) by Julie A. Stokes (Winston's Wish)

Provides a range of ideas for parents and carers so that they feel able to involve their children in what is happening. The book also includes some suggestions about what parents might say to children and how to offer support.

A child's grief: supporting a child when someone in their family has died (2009) by Di Stubbs (Winston's Wish)

This book covers a variety of issues that may affect a child when a person close to them dies, both immediately and in the longer term. It also has practical suggestions and ideas for activities to do together.

Healing children's grief: surviving a parent's death from cancer by Grace H Christ (2000) (Oxford University Inc)

This book will help adults better understand how children process grief. The author uses academic research methods to study the mourning process in different age groups, including their changing interactions with family and friends and their support needs.

Grief in children: a handbook for adults by Atle Dyregrov (1991) (Jessica Kingsley Publishers)

Similar to the previous book, this helps adults understand the different physical and psychological reactions in children when someone dies.

Never too young to know: death in children's lives by Phyllis Silverman (1999) (Oxford University, Press Inc)

Silverman's book includes children's stories of how they've coped with death, but is intended for an adult audience.

We also have suggestions on books for adults about grief.

External websites

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When someone has a very serious illness: children can learn to cope with loss and change (1991) by Marge Heegaard (Woodland Press) A book that was created to help children understand the changes when someone in their family has a serious illness.

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Resources to support your child with bereavement and loss

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Resources to support your child with bereavement and loss

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Safe Use of Weighted Blankets (for children and adults) Briefing (Feb 2019)_0_0

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Events for parents/carers of children with additional needs

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Events for parents/carers of children with additional needs

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SEND Review.
"The SEND review sets out government's proposals for a system that offers children and young people the opportunity to thrive, with access to the right support, in the right place, and at the right time, so they can fulfil their potential and lead happy, healthy and productive adult lives"
"The SEND review is a response to the widespread recognition that the system is failing to deliver for children, young people and their families"

LPCF will be exploring these proposals and will be giving parents on the LPCF membership a chance to give your views on them.
Your views will then be fedback to the Government through the LPCF response to the consultation.

Please join LPCF to hear more about them and tell us what you think.

If you are a member of LPCF you will receieve the Invitation through your emails or on the Facebook events page.

If you would like to join the Consultation but have not joined LPCF please sign up here

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SEND Review. "The SEND review sets out government's proposals for a system that offers children and young people the opportunity to thrive, with access to the right support, in the right place, and at the right time, so they can fulfil their potential and lead happy, healthy and productive adult lives" "The SEND review is a response to the widespread recognition that the system is failing to deliver for children, young people and their families" LPCF will be exploring these proposals and will be giving parents on the LPCF membership a chance to give your views on them.

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What we may see vs what is actually taking place

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What we may see vs what is actually taking place

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Young person gets something wrong flow chart

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Information about social communication and autism

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Information about social communication and autism

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Social communication and autism :: Lincolnshire Children’s Therapy Services

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Some children experience challenges with social communication and interaction. This involves understanding how to communicate functionally with others either verbally (for example vocalising or speaking) or non verbally (for example using gesture, pointing or signing). Children with these types of c…

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Sensory processing difficulties :: Lincolnshire Children’s Therapy Services

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We all receive and process sensory information continuously throughout the day. For most people this is not a problem but for some children this can cause difficulties with behaviour and concentration, as well as carrying out everyday activities.

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Motor difficulties, like attention difficulties have an extensive effect on children's lives, affecting them at school, home and in their leisure activities.

Children with DCD may have problems with their gross motor skills (movement or co-ordination of their arms and legs, posture and balance) or their fine motor skills (hand skills and manual dexterity) or both.
Gross motor difficulties include

Difficulties riding a bike, catching or throwing a ball

Difficulties with hopping and skipping

Repeated trips and falls

Awkward running and balance problems

Bumping into people/things, knocking things over (clumsiness)

Fine motor difficulties include

Poor pencil control leading to difficulties with drawing/writing

Cutting with scissors

Doing up buttons and zips

Using a knife and fork together

Tying shoelaces

Children with DCD may also have difficulties interacting with others, poor attention and organisation skills, poor time management skills and sensory processing difficulties. They are often frustrated and frequently develop low self esteem.

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Motor difficulties, like attention difficulties have an extensive effect on children's lives, affecting them at school, home and in their leisure activities. Children with DCD may have problems with their gross motor skills (movement or co-ordination of their arms and legs, posture and balance) or their fine motor skills (hand skills and manual dexterity) or both.

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Lincolnshire Community Health Services Children's Therapy Services

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Lincolnshire Community Health Services Children's Therapy Services

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Children's physiotherapists work in partnership with the child, family and all other professionals from health, education and social care settings to maximise a child's physical abilities and independence. Our goal is to work closely with the family and the wider team of carers, so they understand the child's physical difficulties and empower them to be able to support and enable the child to achieve their best.

Children's physiotherapists assess the child's abilities and analyse how they move. From this assessment an individual physiotherapy management plan will be formulated. This will typically involve teaching parents and carers specific activities to practice with their child and how best to manage their physical needs throughout their daily routine. This may also include the provision of specialist therapy equipment to support standing, walking and position at night when sleeping.

Children's physiotherapy also support children with respiratory problems such as cystic fibrosis.

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Children's physiotherapists work in partnership with the child, family and all other professionals from health, education and social care settings to maximise a child's physical abilities and independence. Our goal is to work closely with the family and the wider team of carers, so they understand the child's physical difficulties and empower them to be able to support and enable the child to achieve their best.

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Our occupational therapists work with children with a variety of difficulties. This includes children with:

Rheumatology conditions

Significant orthopaedic problems (problems with joints or bones) that are causing functional problems

Neurological conditions (for example cerebral palsy or traumatic brain injury)

Muscular conditions (for example muscular dystrophy)

Children with profound and multiple learning disabilities where physical ability significantly impacts on their function or care.

The role of occupational therapists working with children and young people is to provide intervention, support and/or advice to children and young people (0-19 years) and their families, where there is disability or impairment which significantly impacts on their performance and participation in everyday activities of life.

Advice and strategies are offered to the child/young person, their family, education staff and other professionals working closely with the child/young person; this provides them with the information they need to improve the child/young person's wellbeing. Adaptations to the environment, tasks and equipment will be recommended to enable the child or young person to be as independent as possible.

The occupational therapy team also offer advice and information to nurseries and schools to develop the staff's knowledge of some of the difficulties the children/young people may have and how they can support them to join in these environments.

At this current time, the occupational therapy service is not commissioned to see children who have a diagnosis of developmental co-ordination disorder, also known as dyspraxia or to assess for this condition. The occupational therapy service is also currently unable to assess children with sensory processing difficulties however there is virtual training availabe for parents carers - please refer to this section of the website for details.

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Our occupational therapists work with children with a variety of difficulties. This includes children with: Rheumatology conditions Significant orthopaedic problems (problems with joints or bones) that are causing functional problems Neurological conditions (for example cerebral palsy or traumatic brain injury) Muscular conditions (for example muscular dystrophy) Children with profound and multiple learning disabilities where physical ability significantly impacts on their function or care.

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Lincolnshire Speech and Language Therapy Services

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Lincolnshire Speech and Language Therapy Services

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Children’s Speech and Language Therapy :: Lincolnshire Children’s Therapy Services

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Speech and language therapists work in partnership with you and your child, as well as any other professional involved in their care, to enable them to reach communication potential. Our goal is to work closely with your family and educational staff so you understand your child’s needs, empowering y…

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Maintaining Positive Behaviours in the Home

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Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust

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What is the Sensory Service?

The Sensory Service is a multi-disciplinary team based at the Ryegate Children's Centre in Sheffield. We aim to help parents, carers, school staff and young people to have a better understanding of sensory processing and how this impacts on every day life. We provide information and advice on how to adapt activities and the environment to support children's sensory needs. The team includes Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Clinical Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy.

What is sensory processing?

Sensory processing is the way that our body takes in and makes sense of information. Our senses include hearing, vision, touch, taste and smell, as well as vestibular processing (which helps with balance and movement), proprioception (which is the awareness of our body in the space around it), and interoception (our awareness of our internal body feelings). We use our senses every day to interact with the world.

What might happen when sensory processing becomes a problem?

Children might find sensory information overwhelming and they might struggle to cope with certain sensory experiences. They may try to avoid certain things, people or places.

Children might find everyday tasks difficult to tolerate, such as showering, wearing certain clothes, eating or teeth-brushing.

Children may seek out sensations to help them to regulate in a way that creates a problem in another way, (for example, needing to move a lot during lessons).

When children are overwhelmed by sensory information it can make it more difficult for them to communicate their needs.

Sensory sensitivities can lead to higher stress and anxiety levels in a child. This in turn can mean they're more tuned into sensory information and can become overwhelmed more easily.

Children may present differently from one day to the next and their sensory needs may be context specific or be influenced by other factors, such as mood, tiredness or stress levels.

Who is the service for?

The service is for any child aged 3-16 years, living in Sheffield, who is having day to day difficulties because of the way that they process sensory information. Children known to the CAMHS Learning Disability service will be re-directed to CAMHS Occupational Therapy, if needing support beyond Universal Provision.

What is the Virtual Therapy Area?

The Virtual Therapy Area is our universal provision, the first level of service for all families. It aims to provide parents and carers with knowledge, ideas and strategies to support your child or young person with sensory needs that may be impacting on their every day life. These resources are primarily aimed at supporting children who are neuro-divergent; for example, your child may have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) or a combination of these. However, your child may not have any diagnosis, but may present with sensory needs that are creating challenges in everyday life. Or your child might have a different diagnosis and also have sensory needs that are impacting on their day to day life.

The Royal College of Occupational Therapists states "The term Sensory Processing Disorder is not recognized as an independent diagnosis...and should be avoided" (RCOT Informed View, 2021). Therefore, at the Sheffield Sensory Service, we do not formally assess or provide diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder. Our focus is to offer sensory interventions that support a child's sensory needs by adapting tasks or the environment, and by improving a child's capacity for self-regulation.

In addition to the virtual resources, our multi-disciplinary team deliver sensory training to Sheffield schools and educational establishments, and we are aiming to support all schools in Sheffield to be 'sensory accessible'.

If you need these resources in a different language, look at the bottom of the page for a guide to Google Translate.

How to use these resources

Translating information to your home language: Google Translate

1) Click the Google Translate button:

2) Click on your home language. The text will then change

Google Translate may not translate all words correctly. Please contact us on 0114 271 7645 if you have any questions about the text.

Translating information to your home language: subtitles

1) Click the subtitles icon

2) Click the settings icon then ' subtitles/CC'

3) Click Auto-translate

4) Choose your language

You need to turn on the subtitles for all the videos.

The subtitles are translated through YouTube. Some words may not be translated correctly. Please contact us on 0114 271 7617 if you have any questions about the videos. We can arrange a telephone call with an interpreter if needed.

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Sensory processing difficulties - Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust

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What is the Sensory Service? The Sensory Service is a multi-disciplinary team based at the Ryegate Children's Centre in Sheffield. We aim to help parents, carers, school staff and young people to have a better understanding of sensory processing and how this impacts on every day life.

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Dyslexia mind map - supporting your child at home

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Dyslexia mind map - supporting your child at home

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Dyslexia Outreach - Supporting your child at home

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Dyslexia Outreach - Supporting your child at home

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Fluids advice - how much should my child be drinking per day?

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Fluids advice - how much should my child be drinking per day?

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Kooth: A handy guide for parents and carers

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Kooth: A handy guide for parents and carers

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Toilet Training Children with Autism and Related Conditions – Information for Parents

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Toilet Training Children with Autism and Related Conditions – Information for Parents

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Toilet Training Children: A Skill Development Programme

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Toilet Training Children: A Skill Development Programme

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Healthy Bowels and Bladders for children with additional needs

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Healthy Bowels and Bladders for children with additional needs

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Guidance for the provision of continence containment products to children and young people

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Guidance for the provision of continence containment products to children and young people

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A Parents’ Guide to oral health and dental care for children with a learning disability, autism or both

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A Parents’ Guide to oral health and dental care for children with a learning disability, autism or both

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When feeling heightened, this is a really great technique to use. Go through each step from 5 to 1.

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There are 14 steps to communicating! If there is a break down at one of the steps, that is when we identify a need for support and put steps in place to address it.

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The National Sleep Helpline can help with your sleep problems.

If you’d like to talk about your sleep, you can call us on 03303 530 541 between 9am and 11am on Mondays – Thursdays and between 7pm and 9pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Do you struggle to fall asleep?  Do you feel tired? Do you have a child who won’t sleep in their own bed?

Having a sleep issue is surprisingly common. At any given time up to 40% of adults and 50% of children (this rises to 80% with a SEND diagnosis) have difficulties with their sleep. Yet in a recent survey, almost 60% of adults felt there was a lack of support for sleep issues. Sleep problems can leave people feeling isolated and lonely.

Our helpline is run by a team of specialist trained sleep advisors.

Although we cannot give medical advice, we can talk through your issues, offer you some practical strategies and recommend services that could help.

Sleep education is empowering – you can understand why you might not be sleeping well and how that can change. We promise to listen without judgement and help you decide what next steps are right for you.

If you are looking for advice and support and the helpline isn’t open, please visit our Information and Support pages or our list of helpful organisations.

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Huge thanks to our corporate partner, Furniture Village, who has helped us to launch a brand new National Sleep Helpline to ensure that everyone has access to high quality, evidence-based advice regardless of age, ethnicity, background or income.
"We've always believed that sleep is equally as important as diet and exercise yet we know the UK is really struggling to sleep, particularly with the ongoing effects of the pandemic" says Charlie Harrison, Furniture Village Commercial Director. "From my work as a doctor, I know how great the need for a National Sleep Helpline is. It will make a huge difference to so many people." Dr Ranj, Furniture Village Sleep and Wellness Advisor
Working together to improve the nation's sleep.

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National Sleep Helpline - The Sleep Charity

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Who do I talk to if I can't sleep? The National Sleep Helpline can help with your sleep problems, 7pm-9pm, Sunday to Thursday, 03303 530 541.

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Calm Down Corner - Action for Healthy Kids

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Calm Down Corner - Action for Healthy Kids

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Create a calm down corner at school or at home to help children process emotions and develop self-awareness and self-management.

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Useful grounding technique worksheet - can be used when feeling heightened

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Useful grounding technique worksheet - can be used when feeling heightened

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Parents Helpline | Mental Health Help for Your Child

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The YoungMinds Parents Helpline, Webchat and Email provide support and help for parents and carers worried about their child's mental health and wellbeing.

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A YoungMinds Parents Helpline advisor shares their tips on looking after yourself as a parent when your child is struggling with mental illness.

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Helping a child who has problems going to the toilet- A guide for parents

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Helping a child who has problems going to the toilet- A guide for parents

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Emotion Coaching:  An Essential Part of Your Parenting and teaching Toolbox! 

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Emotion Coaching:  An Essential Part of Your Parenting and teaching Toolbox! 

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A place for parents of children with SEND to link up, share experiences/tips/strategies and lots of useful events to help support your child at home and get them the support they need.

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Lincolnshire Parent Carer Forum is the official independent parent carer forum in Lincolnshire, seeking to represent parents and carers of children with disabilities and Special Educational Needs (SEN).

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Liaise is Lincolnshire's Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS).

They provide confidential and impartial information, advice and support to children and young people (0-25 years) with SEN and disabilities, and their parents and carers.

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Liaise is Lincolnshire's Special Educational Needs and Disability Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS).

We provide confidential and impartial information, advice and support to children and young people (0-25 years) with SEN and disabilities, and their parents and carers.

Our staff:

work at arm's length from the local authority and health services

are trained in SEN and disability law

work to national standards, so you know what to expect

We aim to empower families to have the SEND knowledge and understanding they need.

Families, young people and professionals can now refer in to our service in two ways, either call 0800 195 1635 or fill in this form

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Free, confidential and impartial SEND advice and information.

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Healthy Minds workshops for children and parents to access at home

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Healthy Minds workshops for children and parents to access at home

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This five part 'Survival Guide to Change' online workshop series has been created to support children and young people to learn new strategies to help manage during times of uncertainty.

This workshop series is suitable for young people aged 10 years or over. Younger children are likely to need support from parents or carers in completing this workshop. Before you start the workshop please download the accompanying 'survival guide to change' workbook.

Watch the introduction below to find out more about this series and how it works!

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We have developed online workshops for children and young people and parents and carers to access themselves.

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This five part 'Survival Guide to Change' online workshop series has been created to support children and young people to learn new strategies to help manage during times of uncertainty.

This workshop series is suitable for young people aged 10 years or over. Younger children are likely to need support from parents or carers in completing this workshop. Before you start the workshop please download the accompanying 'survival guide to change' workbook.

Watch the introduction below to find out more about this series and how it works!

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We have developed online workshops for children and young people and parents and carers to access themselves.