This is My Place: Supporting Children’s Mental Health Through Grief
by Richard Howlett
• Published 05/02/2026
Children’s Mental Health Week (9th – 15th February 2026) is a time to shine a light on the emotional wellbeing of our younger generation. This year’s theme, "This is My Place", focuses on the vital role that belonging plays in a child's mental health.
When a child experiences the death of a parent, sibling, or grandparent, their world can suddenly feel like a place where they no longer fit. Their "place" in the family has changed, and they may feel isolated from peers who haven't experienced loss.
At funeral-notices.co.uk, we believe that helping a child find their place again is a essential part of the healing process. Here is how you can support a grieving child during this important week.
Grief in children often looks different than it does in adults. It can come in "puddles"—jumping in and out of intense sadness—rather than a continuous "ocean."
- Be Honest: Use clear, age-appropriate language. Avoid metaphors like "gone to sleep" or "we lost them," which can be confusing.
- Listen Without Judgement: Let them know that their "place" in your home is a space where every emotion—anger, confusion, or even happiness—is allowed.
The 2026 theme reminds us that feeling part of a community is a basic human need. After a funeral, children may feel "different." You can help them reclaim their sense of belonging through:
- Continuing Bonds: Create a "memory place" at home with photos or a special box.
- School Support: Ensure their school is aware of the bereavement so they can remain a "safe place" for the child during the day.
- Digital Tributes: Including a child in the process of choosing a photo for an Online Tribute Page can help them feel they have a role in honouring their loved one.
To celebrate Children’s Mental Health Week, try these activities designed to foster a sense of belonging:
- The "Support Tree": Draw a tree where the child is the trunk, and the branches are the people (and places) that support them.
- Memory Jars: Fill a jar with coloured salt or beads, with each colour representing a happy memory of the person they have lost.
If you are supporting a child through bereavement, you do not have to do it alone. These organisations offer specialist advice and support:
-
Place2Be – The organisers of Children’s Mental Health Week, offering school-based support and resources for parents.
-
Winston’s Wish – A leading UK childhood bereavement charity providing a helpline, live chat, and specialized support for grieving children.
-
Child Bereavement UK – Supports families and helps children (up to age 25) deal with the impact of a death.
-
YoungMinds – Provides excellent guides for parents on how to talk to children about difficult feelings and mental health.
-
Grief Encounter – Offers a dedicated Grieftalk helpline and creative therapeutic support for bereaved youngsters.
A Note for Parents: It is okay to not have all the answers. Simply being present and acknowledging that your child still has a secure "place" in your heart is the most powerful support you can provide.
Don't forget to
Follow funeral-notices.co.uk on social media to see when new articles are published:
Facebook
X
Instagram
LinkedIn
