Campaign to help Bereaved Schoolchildren in the West Midlands

Daniel Ross Funerals of  Walmley, Sutton Coldfield has taken its recently-launched Child Bereavement Support Campaign to the next level, by funding and making available new handbooks to support and guide people working in schools and other educational environments.

The user-friendly school handbook follows hot on the heels of a successful version for parents and carers, which was released in February (2010) by the Eachelhurst Road business.

Local schools have been told about the handbooks and complimentary copies have been made available. Posters have also been designed.

Daniel Ross Funerals co-owner Sarah Wolsey said the latest publication covers a wide range of issues. It also contains a wealth of advice from child bereavement experts.

One of the schools to receive the booklet is St Edmund Campion School in Erdington, Jan Fleming is the secondary schools Bereavement Co-Ordinator: “Over the last five years at St Edmund Campion School I have set up and managed a Bereavement Profile and supported all the pupils and families who have suffered a bereavement which has been well received by pupils and their parents. The booklets that I have just received from Daniel Ross Funerals , particularly "Remember Me" will be invaluable in helping me continue the support given to the families in our school community. They are directed at the specific needs of the child at what is a most difficult time for them, not only to support them but will be invaluable source of information for their families in helping their child cope with their loss.”

Topics covered include: telling children when a member of the school dies, informing staff when a member of the school dies; issues relating to loss for children in early years classes,loss issues for those with special needs  and how to handle the situation when a bereaved child or colleague returns to school. The handbook also covers faith and cultural beliefs and considerations and critical incident contingency planning

Posters were supplied for use at each school’s own discretion, in case staff decided they wanted to further publicise the handbooks for parents and carers.

 “I have always personally believed there is a need for extra help and support for those caring for children following  bereavement,” said Sarah.

She said the response to the campaign had been “totally overwhelming”, firstly from parents and now from teachers and teaching assistants.

“It is so positive and encouraging for parents to know that the care and support given at home is being continued and followed through whilst the child is at school. It is wonderful to have everyone pulling in the same direction,”  added Sarah.

“Daniel Ross Funerals is a family-owned-and-managed business which is proud to have funded these books and made them freely available to our local community.  It’s all about the people.”

Copies of both guides – the teachers’ resource or parents’ handbook – along with the poster, are available from the business. Simply visit the website: www.danielrossfunerals.co.uk or call its 24-hour telephone helpline on: 0121 313 0054.