Support needed for Bereaved Children

Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine has written to the Scottish Government asking them to consider a proposal to record the number of children affected by bereavement.

Research from Winston’s Wish shows that amongst the wide range of adverse childhood experiences, the loss of parent or guardian can be amongst the most impactful.

Christine is also seeking a debate in Westminster on the subject and recently received an endorsement from Leader of the House.

Christine said:

“The trauma of losing a loved one can have lifelong effects on the wellbeing and life chances of affected children and young people. That is why I have written to the Scottish Government asking for their support. 

“In order to properly tackle this issue, we need to understand just how many children and young people are affected and therefore we need accurate data available.

“Whether it is as easy as including a provision within a death certificate to state whether there are dependent children, we have to find a way.

“I know this is a cause that people throughout the UK and across the political spectrum care about and so I am confident we can work together to lay the foundations for vital support.”