The Irish Childhood Bereavement Network (ICBN) has organised the first national Bereaved Children’s Week (Monday, 14th - Friday, 18th November) to highlight the needs of bereaved children and how to support them through difficult periods of loss.

 

The week coincides with Universal Children’s Day and is aimed at those supporting bereaved children including parents, carers, teachers, sports groups, faith communities or friends in their local communities.

 

“‘Children Grieve Too’ is the key message for next week. We’re highlighting that we all have a part to play in supporting children through the journey of grief,” said Brid Carroll, Chair, ICBN.

 

 

“In Ireland 80 people die daily. These are the parents, grandparents, cousins and siblings of our 1.2 million children. Children grieve too; with 2.2 percent of nine-year-olds having lost a parent, 6 percent a close friend and 28 percent a grandparent. We want to support family, carers and parents in their very important roles and also empower them to grieve their own personal loss."

 

Highlighting a child's needs when dealing with the loss of a loved one, Ms Carroll continued: “A child needs support to help them through their grief when someone closes to them dies. It will take time for them to gain a sense of security in life."

 

"They need to be heard and acknowledged when hurting; and reassured that the pain will lessen and life can improve. The care these children receive is vital to how they live with loss. It is a difficult task for parents and carers to support children when they are grieving themselves.

 

"It is important for families to draw on those around them for help. They should not have to cope alone. They need the support of family, friends, schools, faith and community groups as well as government. Bereaved Children’s Week is highlighting these issues.”

 

 

Events are taking place nationwide for example in the Child and Family Centre Portlaoise, Limerick Institute of Technology and University College Hospital Galway. The week culminates in a National Conference of the ICBN on Friday 18th launching much-needed bereavement standards for children.

 

For more information, click here.

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