John Adams, President of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), has become an Advisor to Child Bereavement UK. 

Child Bereavement UK helps families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. The charity supports children and young people (up to the age of 25) when someone important to them has died or is not expected to live, and parents and the wider family when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying. Child Bereavement UK provides training to professionals in health and social care, education, and the voluntary and corporate sectors, equipping them to provide the best possible care to bereaved families. 

John Adams, who is a fourth-generation funeral director, has many years’ experience in helping bereaved families and, as President of NAFD and an approved NAFD tutor, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Child Bereavement UK.

In 2022, John launched a parliamentary petition for all school age children to be taught about death, dying and bereavement in schools as part of compulsory PHSE lessons. His petition, which has over 11,000 signatures, was inspired by being bereaved of his own mother at the age of 12, an experience which shaped his belief in age-appropriate conversations around death, dying and bereavement. 

John Adams said:

"I am delighted to be asked to be Funeral Industry Advisor to Child Bereavement UK. I share with the charity a commitment to delivering the best possible support to bereaved families and children. Everyone grieves differently and there is no one-size-fits-all approach but, with compassion and empathy, it is possible to help families navigate the complex emotions and practical considerations that come with bereavement."

Ann Chalmers, Chief Executive of Child Bereavement UK said: 

"We’re delighted that John has agreed to become an Advisor to Child Bereavement UK. John’s considerable experience and his support will allow us to forge closer links with funeral professionals and the families they serve, helping to rebuild lives by sharing information, expertise and insights."

Read a blogpost for Child Bereavement UK by John Adams: "With the right information and education, young people and children can be empowered."