Child Bereavement UK Strengthens Support for Bereaved Children and Families

News - 24 November 2025

Bereavement affects thousands of children and young people each year in the UK, and recent figures highlight the significant scale of the issue.

Annually, 46,300 children lose a parent, equating to around 127 children bereaved every day. By the age of 16, 20% of young people will have experienced the death of one or both parents, and many more are affected by the loss of siblings, friends or extended family members.

In the year ending March 2024, 3,577 children aged 0–17 died in England, with child death rates remaining highest among Black or Black British and Asian or Asian British communities. Children living in the most deprived areas continue to face death rates more than twice those of children in the least deprived areas.

Against this backdrop, Child Bereavement UK provides vital support to children, parents and families experiencing grief.

Essential Services for Families

Child Bereavement UK offers a range of free, confidential services designed to meet the varied needs of bereaved families. Support is available in person, by telephone, video or instant messenger, and includes:

  • One-to-one support for individuals, couples and families
  • Creative group sessions for children aged 4–12 and their carers
  • Group programmes for young people aged 11–25
  • Support groups for bereaved parents and carers
  • A person-centred assessment process, with allocations made within two weeks

Families can self-refer, and professionals are able to refer or contact the charity for guidance.

The charity’s national Helpline provides confidential support, information and signposting from Monday to Friday, 9am–4.30pm.

📞 0800 02 888 40
💻 www.childbereavementuk.org

Why Support Is Critical in Manchester

Manchester continues to face some of the highest child poverty levels in the UK. Recent data shows that 35% of children in the area live in poverty, rising to 40% in some parts of Greater Manchester. Poverty and bereavement frequently interact, making it harder for families to access consistent emotional and practical support.

Child Bereavement UK previously operated a North Outreach Project in Manchester, but funding for the service ended last year. The charity is working to secure additional resources to rebuild local provision.

Plans for Future Support in Manchester

Child Bereavement UK aims to expand its presence in the city by:

  • Increasing practitioner capacity in deprived communities
  • Establishing a dedicated, accessible support space in central Manchester
  • Launching a Manchester-based young people’s group
  • Offering training to schools, charities and health professionals
  • Providing remembrance events such as “A Day to Remember” and “Crafts to Remember”

These developments would improve access to bereavement support for children and families across the region.

Accessing Support

Families and professionals seeking information or guidance can contact Child Bereavement UK’s Helpline.

📞 0800 02 888 40
💻 www.childbereavementuk.org

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