An introduction to 'Supporting Families' tab | Peace service - supporting bereaved families

Peace service - supporting bereaved families

CLDF has always believed its role continues when the unthinkable happens and that the support we offer should not end if a child dies. CLDF has trained family support officers on hand to provide information and emotional support to parents at such a devastating time.
 
We know that extended family and friends are often deeply affected by a child’s death. Grandparents in particular may feel unable to express their emotions to those who are closest.    Not only do they grieve for their grandchild but feel most keenly for their own child who has been through a harrowing experience and now is grieving too.  CLDF’s family support team are here for them.  The team can also provide advice on how a child’s death can be communicated to children of differing ages.

Although nothing can take away the pain of what has happened, sometimes just to speak to someone who understands can help make life a little easier.  Whether you’d like to voice your feelings, ask about CLDF’s services or those of external agencies, or if there is any other way you feel we could help, please do get in touch.

Contact the support team

Additional services for bereaved families -

Bereavement leaflets:

CLDF has a number of leaflets specially written to help families come to terms with their loss.  These look at the grieving process, hurdles involved with bereavement and also information on children and bereavement:

• Children and bereavement – explains how children understand and cope with death and some practical ways to help them come to terms with their loss
• The death of a child – a leaflet looking at some of the emotional and physical reactions parents may face after the death of a child
• When a child dies – hurdles to get over and things that might make life a little easier
• We’re sorry your child has died – details of how CLDF may be able to offer support at this devastating time

To order a copy of any of these leaflets please visit the ‘order literature’ page under the publications tab or speak to the support team.

Memorial service:

CLDF’s memorial service takes place every two years in Birmingham.  The service gives family and friends the opportunity to commemorate and celebrate their child’s life in a supportive environment – whether their child has died recently or many years ago.   The service includes readings, songs and time for quiet personal reflection.  For further details visit the ‘Memorial Service’ page.

Memory book:

CLDF has a beautiful ‘memory book’ in which families can choose to have their child’s name included.   The memory book is on display at the CLDF annual conference and memorial service.  If you would like the name of your child included in the book, whether they have died recently or a number of months or years ago, please contact a member of the family support team.

‘In memory’ column:

An ‘In memory’ column is included in each edition of CLDF’s bi-annual magazine, Delivery.  Names of children who have died since the last edition are included, subject to the permission of the family. 

Anniversary cards:

To help show their child is not forgotten, a card is sent to families on the anniversary of their child’s death for five years. 

e-talk:

e-talk, CLDF's online forum or message-board for parents has a section called 'coping with bereavement' where you can share your experiences with other families if you wish.  Click on the yellow 'CLDF e-talk' button on the website.