Developing support services for children and young people before the death of an adult in the family

Are you considering extending your bereavement service to working with families before a death? Do you want to think through the practicalities of offering such a service?

Many Childhood Bereavement Network subscribers – particularly those based in adult hospices and palliative care teams - offer support to children and families before the death of an adult in the family. Others are thinking of developing this work in response to requests for support and research into the benefits of such interventions.

The Government’s End of Life Care Strategy sets out the importance of involving and supporting carers, including children, and many services are interested in developing this work. Yet this work differs from supporting families after a death, and requires different resources, skills and experience.

This round of free seminars, supported by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, will help delegates to think through the practicalities of responding to children and families’ needs before a death, in the context of current research and practice. The emphasis will be on sharing ideas and inspiration, and networking to develop this work.

‘The family, including children, close friends and informal carers of people approaching the end of life, have a vital role in the provision of care…they may well need practical and emotional support both during the person’s life and after bereavement.’

(Department of Health, 2008)

‘Supporting children in a family where a grandparent or parent is seriously ill is like wading through a swamp that has been sown with land mines. There is precious little solid ground.’

(Chowns in Monroe and Kraus, 2010)

Delegates will:

·         Learn about relevant research findings

·         See how pre-bereavement support fits into the wider End of Life Care Strategy

·         Hear from a local colleague who has developed this area of work

·         Contribute to the development of a leaflet for children and families as part of the Liverpool Care Pathway

·         Discuss and share ideas and resources for this work

·         Network with colleagues and have a chance to shape the future of the Childhood Bereavement Network

·         Hear more about the Government and Conservative Party’s Green Papers on supporting families

Who should attend?

The day will be of particular relevance to managers of childhood bereavement services who are thinking of extending their services to work with children and families before the death of an adult in the family.

It will also be of interest to hospice staff, adult palliative care teams and young carers’ organisations who may want to network with colleagues and consider local referral pathways.

Time

Registration and refreshments from 9.30am, programme starts 10.00am