Child Bereavement UK has launched a new animated short film aimed at bereaved young people. The film, titled ‘Room for an elephant’, explores how taboos and awkwardness around talking about death and dying can prevent people from being supportive. Sadly, this reluctance to mention the ‘elephant in the room’ can result in bereaved young people feeling lonely and isolated. 

‘Room for an elephant’ illustrates a specially written poem and is narrated by a young person. The film's design is inspired by the style of teen graphic novels and is the latest in a series of award-winning animations by Child Bereavement UK, which form part of the charity’s comprehensive range of bereavement support resources. 

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 dies or is dying. 

Maninder Hayre, Director of Services and Partnerships at Child Bereavement UK said:

Children and young people we support tell us that grief can be very isolating, particularly when others feel awkward asking them how they’re feeling or mentioning their special person who has died. We hope this film will help raise awareness of how lonely grief can be and encourage others to connect with bereaved friends with greater compassion and understanding.

With thanks to the family and friends of Amara Sharma (7 October 2018 – 16 December 2019) for contributing to this film in her memory.