Jardine secures government progress on supporting bereaved children

Scottish Liberal Democrat equalities spokesperson and Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine has secured progress from the UK Government in improving support for bereaved children, which could potentially result in changes being implemented for affected families more quickly, without the need for legislation.

Last year, Ms Jardine reintroduced her private members bill, the Bereavement Support (Children and Young People) Bill, that requires clear guidance to be given to councils, schools and other public bodies on how to ensure every bereaved child knows where to find bespoke support.

Leading charities such as Winston’s Wish offer individual or group counselling sessions and other online services, but there is currently no process for notifying a bereaved child of where they can access support.

The Scottish Liberal Democrat MP has now met the Children’s Minister, Catherine McKinnell, to find ways to make these changes more quickly, potentially without needing to pass her bill into law. This includes through the government’s new cross-departmental Bereavement Group.

Ms Jardine said she was “pleased” with the minister’s commitment to supporting bereaved children, including improving access to support services, and that she hopes to see further progress before the new date for her Bill’s Second Reading debate in September.

Christine Jardine MP said:

“I was delighted to secure commitments from Minister McKinnell on progressing support for vulnerable children after a loss, increasing access to bereavement and grief support.

“After meeting two Conservative ministers before the general election, and getting warm words of support but little action, I am delighted to see the Labour government finally recognising there is a problem for young people trying to access bereavement support.

“I’m pleased Minister McKinnell has listened to Liberal Democrat calls on improving access to mental health practitioners and bereavement support in schools, and it is promising that there seems to be a recognition that we must do more to support children at times when their teachers cannot.

“I will continue to push the government’s new cross-departmental Bereavement Group to put bereaved children front and centre, so no child is without the support they need, when they need it.

“I look forward to seeing more progress on these vital issues before my Bill returns later in the year.”