Context
The question arises from concerns about the long-term mental health risks faced by children losing a parent to suicide, particularly their increased risk of suicidal behavior later in life.
Question
What steps his Department is taking to support children who lose parents to suicide. Losing a parent to suicide is devastating for any child. The MP was disturbed to learn that there is evidence suggesting children who lose a parent to suicide have a greater risk of going on to take their own life as they grow older, and she wants the issue put on the Minister's radar.
Answer from Will Quince
Our covid response included additional information provision to schools on supporting pupils with bereavement. Senior mental health lead training, backed by an extra £2.3 billion per year, helps schools include this in their pastoral support and identifies where staff need further training to understand children's needs. The Minister is willing to meet the MP to discuss this issue at greater length.
Not addressed: The specific request for particular suicide bereavement training resources or signposting was not addressed directly.
How: Willing To Meet To Discuss
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