Jardine presents bill to improve support for bereaved children

Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine has presented a Bill to Parliament calling for a new protocol to support children who suffer a bereavement.

The Liberal Democrat has worked closely with leading charities such as Winston’s Wish, who provide bespoke counselling, group sessions and online services to help young people deal with their grief.

But Ms Jardine has repeatedly raised concerns to the UK Government that charities are finding it difficult to provide targeted support, or scale their services to meet demand, as there is no process for notifying a bereaved child of where help is available.

Despite a positive response from Leader of the House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt, and securing meetings with two Childrens Ministers, Ms Jardine says the UK Government has been slow to act.

She now hopes this Bill will provide clear guidance for local councils, schools and other public bodies on how to ensure every bereaved child knows where find the right help for them.

Ms Jardine said:

“This Bill is an important step towards preventing more children missing out on vital support at a time when they need it most.

“By creating a simple protocol for those most likely to meet bereaved children, such as council workers, teachers and healthcare professionals, the Bill will ensure that every child knows where to find a service that works for them.

“I have met some fantastic charities and inspirational young people, who are doing incredible work to help children dealing with loss and grief.

“Despite warm words from the Government Ministers I have spoken to, they have been slow to put a system in place that could help these charities connect with more young people.

“I hope they will now will support my Bill and make this small, but critical change, to transform the lives of thousands of grieving children right across the country.

“That is the least they deserve.”