Bereavement & Anticipatory Grief Support for Children & Young People
A calm, supportive space for children facing grief and uncertainty.
When a Child Is Living With Grief, or the Fear of Bereavement
Grief can be confusing and frightening for children and young people.
Sometimes the bereavement has already happened.
Sometimes it's anticipated, when a loved one is seriously ill.
Both experiences can feel overwhelming, for children and for parents trying to support them.
We offer calm, specialist bereavement and anticipatory grief support across Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes and online, helping children feel less alone with what they’re carrying.
What is Anticipatory Grief
Anticipatory grief happens before a loss occurs.
A child may be grieving:
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A parent or loved one who is unwell
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A family member nearing the end of life
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The fear of change, separation, or “what might happen next”
Children often don’t have the words for this. Instead, it can show up as worry, anger, withdrawal, physical symptoms, or changes in behaviour.
The Impact of Grief
Every child grieves differently. You might notice:
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Increased anxiety or clinginess
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Tearfulness, anger, or emotional outbursts
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Difficulties with sleep or school
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Seeming “fine” one moment and overwhelmed the next
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Questions about death, illness, or safety
How Our Support Helps
We offer a gentle, child-centred approach that allows grief to be explored at the child’s pace.
Support may include:
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A safe space to talk, play, or create
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Help expressing feelings that are hard to put into words
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Making sense of confusing or conflicting emotions
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Support with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty
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Helping children feel less alone with their experience
There is no pressure to “open up” or talk before a child is ready.
Supporting parents and carers
Supporting a grieving child can feel difficult, especially when you’re grieving too. You don’t need to have all the answers.
We can help you:
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Understand how your child expresses grief
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Find words for conversations about illness, death and loss
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Respond to questions and worries
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Feel more supported as you navigate this together
Taking The Next Step
If you are worried about a child and unsure whether counselling is needed, you are welcome to get in touch.
We offer a calm, no-pressure conversation to help you think about what support, if any, might be helpful right now.
You do not need to have everything worked out before reaching out.