A Guide to Supporting Bereaved Children’s Mental Health

Grief is never easy but for children, it can be especially confusing, isolating and overwhelming. When someone they love dies, their world changes completely. The sadness may be visible but beneath it often lies something less recognised: anxiety, fear and a deep sense of being alone.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, which takes place from 12–18 May 2025, the theme is “Community” – a reminder that mental health thrives when people feel supported, connected and understood. For bereaved children, being surrounded by a compassionate community isn’t just comforting, it’s essential.

At Mosaic, we understand how powerful connection can be in the healing process. Our services are designed to create safe, inclusive spaces for children and young people to feel seen, heard and supported, alongside others who truly understand what they’re going through.

Why Community Support Matters When a Child Is Grieving

Children and teenagers don’t just grieve the person they’ve lost, they also grieve the sense of stability, routine and normality that person gave them. The absence can leave them feeling emotionally untethered and without the right support, they may struggle to process those feelings.

Community plays a crucial role in a child’s recovery by:

• Helping to reduce isolation – children often feel that no one else understands how they feel. Meeting others who have experienced similar losses can be incredibly reassuring.
• Building resilience – regular contact with trusted adults and peers strengthens a child’s ability to cope with future challenges.
• Providing safe spaces to talk – when children feel part of a non-judgemental, empathetic group, they’re more likely to open up about difficult feelings like anger, guilt and anxiety.

Recognising When a Child Is Struggling

While many children are able to process grief with the right support, others may find it harder to cope. Their feelings can sometimes manifest as changes in behaviour, emotions or physical health. These are some common signs that a child may be struggling with their mental health after a bereavement:

• Persistent sadness or withdrawal from friends and family
• Frequent anxiety or worry, especially about death or safety
• Changes in sleep patterns, including nightmares or trouble falling asleep
• Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
• Irritability or anger, sometimes directed at loved ones or teachers
• Difficulty concentrating at school
• Physical complaints like stomach aches or headaches without a clear cause

It’s important to remember that every child grieves differently but if these signs persist or start to affect daily life, it may be time to seek additional support.

Practical Ways to Support a Bereaved Child’s Mental Health

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, friend or relative, here are some ways you can help a grieving child feel part of a strong and supportive community:

Encourage Open Communication

Let children know it’s okay to talk about the person who died. Be honest and age-appropriate in your language and allow space for difficult questions or big emotions.

Avoid saying things like “You need to be strong” or “Don’t cry”. Instead, say, “It’s okay to feel upset,” or “I’m here for you.”

Involve Them in Group Activities

Being part of a community, whether it’s school, sports or a bereavement support service like Mosaic, helps children re-engage with the world around them. It reminds them that life continues, and that joy and sadness can co-exist.

Look for gentle opportunities to reintroduce structure and positive social interaction.

Help Them Build a Memory Connection

Creating a memory box, writing letters or drawing pictures can help children feel connected to the person who died. These activities can also be shared in group settings, helping children see how others remember loved ones too.

Talk About the Importance of Asking for Help

Let children know that needing support isn’t a weakness. Mosaic’s counsellors, volunteers and activity leaders all work to normalise grief and mental health conversations, encouraging children to speak up when they need help.

How Mosaic Supports Bereaved Children’s Mental Health

At Mosaic, we believe that grief should never be faced alone. Our services are designed not only to support children’s emotional wellbeing but also to foster a strong, understanding community around them. Whether it’s through individual counselling or group activities, our aim is to build connections and a sense of belonging.

Expert-Led Emotional Support

Mosaic’s team of qualified counsellors offer one-to-one sessions tailored to the needs of each child. These provide a safe space where children can express their feelings, explore their grief and develop healthy coping mechanisms – all within a supportive, non-judgemental environment.

Building a Supportive Community Through Shared Experience

A key part of Mosaic’s approach is creating opportunities for bereaved children and young people to connect with others going through similar experiences. Our activity days, and social events help reduce feelings of isolation and create a powerful sense of solidarity.

Children often form friendships through these events that extend far beyond the day itself. Knowing they are not alone – that others have lost someone too – can be deeply comforting and profoundly healing.

We also work directly with schools to run bereavement cafés – gentle, welcoming spaces where students can share memories, create tokens of remembrance and connect with empathetic adults and peers. These cafés help young people open up in a familiar environment and play a vital role in reducing the loneliness that often accompanies grief, especially in school settings.

Whole-Family Support

Mosaic understands that a child’s mental health is closely linked to the wellbeing of their family. That’s why we also support parents and carers – through advice and resources across our digital platforms.

Age-Appropriate Support

We offer age-appropriate support for children and young people aged 5-18 in Dorset. As children grow and their understanding of loss evolves, our services adapt too, ensuring they continue to feel supported at any age.

Every child deserves to be part of a community that sees them, hears them and walks alongside them through grief. We don’t just offer counselling, we offer connection. Our events, support groups and resources are designed to bring people together, reduce isolation and create a sense of hope.

If you know a child or family in Dorset who could benefit from support, please don’t hesitate to reach out.