Child Bereavement UK’s Scotland Development Project has been working since 2013 to integrate and improve bereavement support for children and young people.

The Project aims to improve signposting and encourage collaboration between organisations on Scotland-wide initiatives. It offers training and has been instrumental in the creation of Scotland-wide networks.

Local network groups

Each network feeds into the Scottish Bereavement Network, which shares information, learning and initiatives across Scotland and holds a National Network Event.

There are currently Local Network Groups in 12 areas of Scotland:

• Argyll and Bute
• Ayrshire and Arran
• Dumfries and Galloway
• Fife
• Forth Valley
• Glasgow
• Grampian
• Grief Matters Highland
• Inverclyde
• Lanarkshire
• Lothian
• Tayside

The local network groups seek to:

• Encourage joined up working and collaboration
• Provide mutual support and learning
• Improve knowledge of local and national organisations and signposting
• Break down silo working
• Facilitate knowledge exchange
• Encourage partnership working
• Create better pathways of support
• Identify needs and fill gaps

If you are interested in joining one of the existing networks, or are interested in setting one up in your area, please email [email protected].

Training

In addition to Child Bereavement UK’s UK-wide training offer, the project offers free Bereavement Support training online and in person for individuals and organisations including schools, third sector organisations, social work teams, NHS teams, and businesses.

Bereavement Support training typically includes:

• An overview of grief/bereavement
• Things that affect how we grieve
• How theory helps us to understand bereavement
• Understanding bereavement in relation to child development
• Practical hints and tips to help support those who are grieving
• Resources and other areas of support

To find out more about training or to book training for your team, please email [email protected].

Consultancy service for professionals

Child Bereavement UK offers a consultancy service for professionals anywhere in Scotland who need advice or guidance on anything connected to bereavement.

• We can provide consultancy support when a child or young person is grieving the death of a parent, family member, friend, or someone else important to them.
• We are available to respond urgently and can offer debrief and guidance.
• We can assist with non-urgent issues such as supporting organisations  with the development of bereavement policies or to support staff wellbeing.   
• Support can be available via phone call, video call or face-to-face meeting.

This service is funded by the Scottish Government and is free to access.

To find out more or to book you your initial consultation, please email [email protected].

Other initiatives

The Scotland Development Project is involved in a number of other initiatives across Scotland including:

• Developing resources
• Child Death Review advisory group
• Bereavement Charter Group
• Inputting to academic resources
• Speaking at conferences

To find out more how the Scotland Development Project can help you, please email [email protected].

Other support organisations

We are pleased to partner with AtaLoss. Their award-winning signposting and information website offers a comprehensive, regularly updated directory to help you freely identify specialist, local and national organisations offering bereavement and related support.