Leeds people who have experienced childhood bereavement are being invited to share their thoughts and advice on a brand new Children and Families Bereavement Support Service for the city.
Leeds City Council has recently announced funding to launch a new service which will offer a central point of contact for parents and carers of children who have been bereaved, and will work with the whole family to provide support, advice and activities. Sadly, an estimated 260 parents with dependent children die in Leeds each year, and there is currently no free to access universal service supporting children and family members through the bereavement process.
In partnership with Leeds Bereavement Forum, the council is launching a consultation to hear from people who have experience of childhood bereavement or supporting children and families who have been bereaved to help design the new service and better understand their needs.
A consultation event is taking place on Wednesday 6 June at 12.30pm at Leeds Town Hall for anyone able to attend in person. There is also an online survey at hosted by Leeds Bereavement Forum www.lbforum.org.uk or the project team at publichealth@leeds.gov.uk can be contacted directly by those wishing to take part.
The leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor Judith Blake explains why the council is investing in the new service:
“Whilst there is some support out there through schools and charities, there is currently no stand-alone service for bereaved children and their families in Leeds. This investment will ensure that children and their families have access to support and advice when they need it to cope with their loss.”
Councillor Lisa Mulherin, executive member for children and families adds:
“Ensuring children and families have access to the support they need following bereavement can make a huge difference and we want to ensure this new Council service is the best that it can be. That’s why we’re keen to hear the views of people who have been affected by childhood bereavement, either personally or as a professional, to help design the support service we will provide.”
