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How can we better support young people through the complex processing of grieving? Shelley Gilbert is a consultant psychotherapist and child and adolescent grief specialist whose work is informed by her own experience of being orphaned at the age of nine. 

As we approach the festive season, it's essential to acknowledge the unique challenges that grieving children and young people may face during this time. Christmas and other festive celebrations are often synonymous with joy and family gatherings, but for those dealing with loss, this time can magnify the feelings of longing, hurt, isolation, and confusion.

As we approach the festive season, it just seems right to take a moment, to reflect on the significance of this time for those children who are not just carried away with excitement but having to navigate a whole other range of emotions associated with of grief, and this year it feels like even more so, at this time of great tragedy and unrest in the world around us.

Grief Encounter is proud to announce their continued partnership with ITV Good Morning Britain’s 1 Million Minutes campaign, now in its eight year, working to end loneliness and isolation in the UK through the power of volunteering.

We are thrilled that "Why It Matters”, our latest film, released during Children’s Grief Awareness Week (CGAW), which .shows what a difference, the right support, from the right people at the right time, has on bereaved children and young people who suddenly find themselves facing the death of someone who matters ti them. It is nominated for a prestigious Smiley Charity Film Award. But now we need your help to make us a finalist and raise awareness even further of Why it Matters’

This time of year can be challenging, exciting, sad and happy – all at the same time. For children and young people who have experienced bereavement, the journey from primary to secondary school, or from secondary school and college to university, can trigger a mix of emotions, including amplifying their grief.  In this grief guide, we hope to give you some tips and coping mechanisms to make this transition easier, and remember that your feelings are valid, and it's okay to seek professional support during this time.

Grief Encounter is delighted to announce that Lucy and Sian Okrent have been appointed as Honorary Patrons in recognition of their exceptional efforts in raising more than £250,000 for Grief Encounter, alongside developing unique grief programmes as part of the Stephen Okrent Shared Grief Foundation x Grief Encounter. They were awarded their Patronage at the Grief Encounter Summer Staff Conference on the 4th July, by the Founder and CEO of the organisation.

International humanitarian disasters, such as the events taking place in Israel, have devastating effects on individuals and communities around the world. Coping with the trauma, and grief that result from these events can be overwhelming, along with associated grief which comes from exposure to the events, and stories of families affected, in the wider international media. It might be difficult to have a conversation with children and young people around the events taking place in Israel, especially if you have been directly affected by the tragedy.

International humanitarian disasters, such as the Moroccan earthquakes that have taken place this weekend, can have devastating effects on individuals and communities around the world. It might be difficult to have a conversation with children and young people around the events taking place in Morocco, especially if you have been directly affected by the tragedy.

Grief Encounter is pleased to announce the appointment of Alan Bloom, Trustee of Grief Encounter since 2021, as the new Interim Chair of Trustees following the departure of Harold Gittelmon.