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Support for Bereaved Children

21 May 2024

Lead MP

Andy Carter

Responding Minister

David Johnston

Tags

NHSEducationEmploymentMental Health
Word Count: 4221
Other Contributors: 5

At a Glance

Andy Carter raised concerns about support for bereaved children in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

Mr Carter asks the Minister to look into steps that can be taken to ensure data on bereaved children is collected and released, to consider expanding requirements for organisations to inform young people about local and national support services as proposed in Christine Jardine's private Member's Bill, and to outline what further measures are being taken to ensure young people have access to the help they need following a bereavement.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Opened the debate
Mr Carter is concerned about the lack of accurate data on bereaved children in the UK, noting that approximately 46,000 children annually lose a parent. He highlights the unique challenges faced by grieving children and emphasises the importance of providing them with adequate support. Mr Carter also stresses the need for clear pathways to help for young people experiencing loss.

Government Response

David Johnston
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Rosindell. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Warrington South (Andy Carter) for securing this debate on an important topic. Dan from Priestley College, who wrote part of the opening speech, spoke movingly about his experience and should be proud of bringing it forward to help other young people. Bereavement can devastate children and young people as it is not what they expect in life. We all have a role in supporting bereaved individuals and ensuring that children and young people can access necessary support when needed. The Department for Education offers grants to train senior mental health leads in schools, with over 16,700 schools and colleges receiving such training, including more than eight in ten state-funded secondary schools. Additionally, there is £1.3 billion of recovery premium funding for schools to deliver evidence-based approaches to support pupil mental health and wellbeing. Mental Health Support Teams have been rolled out across the country, with coverage reaching 44% of pupils in April 2023 and aiming to reach at least 50% by March 2025. The Department is also providing record levels of investment in increasing the mental health workforce to expand NHS services, forecasted to benefit 345,000 more children and young people by March 2025. Schools teach pupils about recognising emotions and seeking support through the school curriculum. Relationships, sex and health education statutory guidance specifically includes bereavement and enables schools to deal sensitively with individual needs. Guidance has been published for supporting students who may be affected by bereavement during exam season. Data collection on bereaved children is a concern due to potential negative consequences but officials are exploring adding a question regarding bereaved children in the school census. The need to balance support availability against privacy concerns was noted, with plans to discuss this further.
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About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.