We have put together a list of useful websites and mobile apps that are available to support Children and young people whose loved ones are in the last year of life, are dying or have died. Some of these organisations work only with patients and their families that have Cancer. These are listed separately.
Winston’s Wish
Help children and young people up to 25 years of age to rebuild their lives after a family death. Offer practical support and guidance to families, professionals and anyone worried about a grieving child.
National helpline: 0808 8020021
Website: winstonswish.org
Child Bereavement UK
A national charity which provides information and guidance for bereaved children and young people, including films, books and resources in different age groups.
Phone: 0800 028840
Website: childbereavementuk.org
Marie Curie
Provide free support over the phone in over 200 languages and via webchat, to anyone with an illness they’re likely to die from and those close to them. The website has a list of books available about death and bereavement for children and young people which is organised in age groups.
Phone: 0800 0902309 (calls are free from landlines and mobiles)
Website: mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/diagnosed/talking-to-children-about-death
The Laura centre
Offer counselling for children who have experienced the death of a parent. Their website provides information aimed at the specific needs of bereaved children and teenagers, including a list of books and useful apps.
Phone: 0116 2544341
Website: thelauracentre.org.uk
Cruse
Offer young people’s bereavement support via groups and via email.
Phone: 0116 2884119
Website: [email protected]
Hope Support Services
Offer resources to support 5- to 25-year-olds when a close family member is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, they can support from diagnosis to however long is needed.
Phone: 0198 9566317
Website: www.hopesupport.org.uk
Grief Encounter
Charity which supports bereaved children and young people. Offers useful guides and a reading list in differing age groups.
Phone: 0808 8020111
Website: griefencounter.org.uk
Cancer Organisations/ Websites
Macmillan
Provide information and support to people and their families, living with cancer. Their website has suggested books for children and young people about death and bereavement organised in age groups. Books are also identified for adults who are supporting a bereaved child.
Phone: 0808 8080000
Website: macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support
Fruit Fly Collective
Offer tools and resources to empower parents to navigate family life and support their children after a cancer diagnosis. Includes age-appropriate material including those for neurodivergent children.
Website: fruitflycollective.com
Ruth Strauss
Provide parents with the professional emotional support they need to start difficult conversations about a cancer diagnosis with their children.
Website: ruthstraussfoundation.com
Mobile apps
Smiles and tears
Developed by Nelson’s Journey and funded by Children in Need. Help to support children and young people, from 0-17 years, who have experienced the death of a significant person in their life. This app allows children to record memories, send virtual gifts and write about their thoughts, feelings and emotions. It provides tips on how to manage emotions such as anger, guilt, confusion and loneliness.
Apart of me
A therapeutic game for 11 years+, developed by Bounce Works. Created to provide children with a safe place to explore, accept, understand and articulate their experience of grief and the wide range of emotions connected to it.
Grief Works
Self Care & Love – Created in collaboration with Julia Samuels MBE to help navigate one’s grief after the death of a loved one. 28-session compassionate course using self-care tools for those 12 years and above.
Headspace
Sleep and Meditation – App offering daily meditations, sleep sounds, self-care tools and resources for 4 years +.