§ Baroness Goudieasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they are taking nationwide to counterbalance the negative effects of a significant bereavement on young people. [HL662]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education and Skills (Baroness Ashton of Upholland)A variety of statutory, voluntary and hospice services currently operate, which provide good quality care to those who might benefit from support or treatment while grieving.
§ Baroness Goudieasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have plans to implement a nationwide bereavement strategy to help children who experience a significant bereavement. [HL663]
§ Baroness Ashton of UphollandThere are no immediate plans to implement a nationwide bereavement strategy though officials continue to take an interest in the work of both the statutory and the voluntary bodies which are active in this field.
§ Baroness Goudieasked Her Majesty's Government:
What measures are in place to help families cope with, and to stay united, during times of bereaving. [HL666]
§ Baroness Ashton of UphollandA variety of services are provided by statutory bodies which aim to inform, support and provide practical assistance to children and their families during times of bereavement. Services are usually accessed, following referral or self-referral, after an assessment of the child's needs, which might also include consideration of the needs of their family.
A number of voluntary and hospice organisations also address issues of bereavement and serve to complement statutory services.