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What To Do: Bereavement in the Coronavirus Outbreak PurposeIn normal circumstances we would come together physically to support anyone in the community who was bereaved. A student would receive one-to-one, highly tailored support from the Wellbeing Team. Unfortunately, in these circumstances, the ability for us to provide this kind support is limited. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, bereaved people may have to deal with increased trauma, and may be cut off from some of their usual support network. Those who are already struggling with bereavement, or whose relatives or friends die through other causes will also be affected.The guidance below outlines how you can support students with bereavement, particularly if you are the first to know. Guidance is taken from Child Bereavement UK, Cruse and Winston’s Wish.Students do not need a ‘bereavement expert’ – they need someone who cares.Note: Communication with the student and their family whilst supporting them is essential. The family or caregiver of the bereaved child or young person will have their own belief systems and thoughts on how the bereavement should be dealt with, their wishes must be respected (Cruse). Adolescents’ understanding of deathThe struggle for independence at this age may cause bereaved teenagers to challenge the beliefs and expectations of others as to how they should be feeling or behaving. Death increases anxieties about the future, and they may question the meaning of life and experience depression. Teenagers may find it easier to discuss their feelings with a sympathetic friend or adult than with a close family member. They may be having difficulty coming to terms with their own mortality and that of those close to them; they may cope with this by refusing to contemplate the possibility of death by taking part in risk-taking behaviour. Anger makes up a large part of their grief, often compounded by a sense of injustice (Child Bereavement UK).When notified of a bereavement by a parentRemain calm and express sympathy. Try to establish the facts rather than speculation.Ask if the family has any support.If no, sign post to the following (you can offer to email details from your school email address):Local support in Craven & Bradford Cruse: 01756 797799 / craven@.uk National Support: Cruse: Free helpline 0808 808 1677 / If appropriate, you can explain what the academy will offer: An allocated keyworker from the Wellbeing Team: a member of staff who will keep a look out for your child while they are at home and when they return to school school. The keyworker will be the person to contact if you have any queries or concerns.A chance to talk to your child about how best to break the news to their friends and classmates.A chance to talk to your child about how they would like their return to school managed.An opportunity to acknowledge what has happened but without making a fuss so that your child does not feel the spotlight is on them.Flexibility around deadlines for handing in work.Support from the school counsellor, Carl Ellis.Ask to speak to the student if appropriate. Explain you will send an email to support.Log on CPOMS and inform Wellbeing Team. One of the Wellbeing Team will follow up with family to offer additional agencies (see DSL section).If you are comfortable, continue to check in with the student and family after your initial phone call and initial email to the student.When notified of a bereavement by a studentA student may email you to you as a trusted adult for support.You can email back with the following response: Dear <<student>>I am so sorry to hear of your loss. When we receive sad and shocking news, it can be hard to take in. You may feel lots of emotions, or you may initially feel nothing at all. However you feel, the important thing to remember is that you may experience lots of new emotions. This is a natural part of grief. Understanding why this person has died can help you to accept the reality of the situation. If you have any unanswered questions, ask someone. A family member may be able to answer your questions. As we’re all different, what helps one person may not help another. Try talking with friends or family about how you are feeling. You could each share your memories of the person who has died; maybe even laugh and cry together. It's ok to show others how you’re feeling. If you would rather talk to someone who is not so close, you might like to try visiting these websites or calling these numbers:Child Bereavement UK: phone 0800 02 888 40 / email support@Winston’s Wish: phone 08088 020 021 / email mailto:ask@ / Text WW to 85258 / Childline: .uk / phone 0800 1111Kooth: I will let the Wellbeing Team know that you’ll need some support, and someone will be in touch with you and your family soon. Take each day a step at a time, do what feels right for you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.At Dixons Kings Academy we are family, and we are here for you.Take care,<<Mr/Mrs NAME>>When notified of a bereavement by a student’s friend, family friend or member of the communityRemain calm and express sympathy.Explain a member of the Wellbeing t=Team will contact the student / family.Ask if the student / family needs support and signpost to resources above.What to do: DSL Wellbeing check in with member of staff who received the news.Check CPOMS for previous concerns and involvement from outside agencies; inform them if applicable.Contact Children’s Social Care if student is at immediate risk.Contact family and signpost bereavement support (see Bereavement documentation from Cruse, Child Bereavement UK, Winston’s Wish).Signpost to additional agencies if needed:See Bradford Bereavement Directory Bradford Targeted Early Help/Family CentresEarly Help ToolkitAgree level of support with family and frequency of contact.Get consent for referrals, if applicable.Log on CPOMS under Covid-19.Senior Vice Principal (KAL) to add to Vulnerable Student ListFollow up daily / weekly and respond to scholar and family need. ................
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