Charter for Bereaved Children
Winston's Wish has supported many thousands of bereaved children in the last 10 years. This 'charter' is based on conversations with them. If we live in a society that genuinely wants to enable children and young people to rebuild their lives after a death, then we need to respect these rights:
B – Bereavement support
Bereaved children are entitled to receive the support they need.
E – Express feelings and thoughts
Bereaved children should feel comfortable expressing all feelings and thoughts associated with grief, such as anger, sadness, guilt and anxiety and to be helped to find appropriate ways to do this.
R – Remember the person who has died
Bereaved children have a right to remember the person who has died for the rest of their lives if they wish to do so. This may involve re-living memories (both the good and the difficult) so that the person becomes a comfortable part of the child's continuing life story.
E – Education and information
Bereaved children are entitled to receive answers to their questions and information that clearly explains what has happened, why it has happened and what will happen next.
A – Appropriate and positive response from schools or colleges
Bereaved children can benefit from receiving help and understanding from their teachers and fellow students.
V – Voice in important decisions
Bereaved children should be asked if they wish to be involved in important decisions that have an impact on their lives, such as planning the funeral and remembering anniversaries.
E – Everyone involved
Bereaved children should receive support which includes their parent(s) or carers and siblings and which respects each child's confidentiality.
M – Meeting others
Bereaved children can benefit from the opportunity to meet other children who have had similar experiences.
E – Established routines
Bereaved children should be able to choose to continue previously enjoyed activities and interests.
N – Not to blame
Bereaved children should be helped to understand they are not responsible and not to blame for the death.
T – Tell their story
Bereaved children have a right to tell their story in a variety of ways and for those stories to be heard, read or seen by those important to them.