This conference is an unique opportunity to learn directly from bereaved young people and from professionals.  It is designed specifcally for professionals working directly in schools and within the education sector as a whole.

 Aims:

• To raise awareness that bereavement is a whole-school issue which all staff need to take on board
• To develop knowledge, understanding and confidence to support pupils and colleagues who are experiencing loss and grief
• To give an insight into pupils' responses to loss and grief and why this might include behaviour that is challenging
• To raise awareness and understanding of the issues surrounding children and young people when they or someone in their family has a life-limiting condition/terminal illness
• To provide information about useful resources available to help you support bereaved pupils and colleagues

The programme will include presentations, discussion sessions and a choice of two interactive workshops.

Presentations Include:

• How a school can help children when a parent has a life-limiting illness - an example of best practice

• My father died suddenly - A young person's perspective 

• Children and young people - a whole-school approach to bereavement 

• Children's understanding of loss, grief and bereavement 

• The importance of having a bereavement policy 

• Suicide and support for the school community - Step by Step Project 

• Supporting children from military families in loss and grief 

Workshops Include:

• Setting up peer group support in primary and secondary schools
• Exploring a creative resource for primary school children and teachers
• Children and young people with autistic spectrum disorders - supporting them through grief
• The challenges of supporting bereaved teenagers
• Children with life-limiting conditions and terminal illness in schools
• Death education in the classroom
   

Presentation and workshop information is correct at the time of submission but may be subject to change

Who Should Attend?

School Governors, Head Teachers, Teachers and Learning Mentors, School Counselling Support Staff, School Chaplains, Children Centre Personnel / Sure Start Personnel, PHSE Leads, Voluntary Organisations that work with Schools, Educational Psychologists, School Nurses, Healthy School Leads and LEA Personnel.