Norfolk child bereavement charity launches schools project

Cringleford CEVA Primary School took advice from Nelson's Journey following the death of a pupil last year

A charity that supports children and young people through bereavement has launched a scheme to raise awareness of grief in schools.

Nelson's Journey is recognising schools that provide safe spaces for bereaved children, as well as activities and staff training.

Cringleford CEVA Primary School near Norwich is the first to become a "School Friend of Nelson's Journey".

It sought guidance from the charity after the death of a pupil last April.

Schools can apply to become recognised for their achievements by the charity if they meet certain criteria in supporting bereaved young people.

The Norfolk-based charity, established in 1997, supports children and young people who have experienced the death of a loved one.

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Rachel Bradshaw, deputy headteacher at Cringleford CEVA Primary School, said staff and pupils were "so grateful for the support and guidance from Nelson's Journey".

She said: "They have helped us navigate a truly difficult time by equipping us with the language and skills to talk openly about bereavement, allowing us to learn how to support everyone affected in our community, and walked with us through our grief journey."

Simon Wright, chief executive of Nelson's Journey, said: "Around 1 in 29 of Norfolk's schoolchildren have experienced the death of a parent or sibling.

"On average, every teacher in every classroom in Norfolk will have at least one young person in their class who has experienced the death of a close relative.

"The ability for schools and teachers to be able to understand and support childhood bereavement is essential and can make a real impact for those young people involved.

"As a charity, we want to highlight what Norfolk schools are doing really well in enabling and providing support and understanding, and to encourage others to develop their practice too."