Our new programme to help parents

We’ve worked with 100 parents and organisations to create an online programme for parents and carers of bereaved children.  

It has been designed to provide essential support and guidance to grieving families and offers advice, practical exercises, and tools to help parents support their grieving children following the death of their brother and/or sister.  

Callum Fairhurst, founder of Sibling Support’s said: 

“The death of a sibling can have long-lasting effect which will impact children through their whole lives, and often parents feel uncertain of how to provide the right support.  

“100 parents and organisations have helped up design this programme is designed to equip people with the confidence, support and tools to navigate this challenging time, ensuring their child feels seen, heard, and supported while finding ways to remember their sibling.” 

The online course includes chapters on: 

• Preparing for Farewell: Explaining death and funeral processes to children 

• Understanding Grief and Emotions: Communication and managing behaviours related to grief 

• Healing and Remembrance: Honouring your child and creating new family memories 

• Caring for Yourself: Self-care for parents or caregivers 

The programme features stories and advice from parents across the UK whose children have died.  

Nicci Parish’s son, Billy, died in 2020. She shared her story and advice with the Programme for Parents, saying: 

“I never imagined that we would have to live without my eldest son Billy, the grief feels overwhelming and so is the need to support my other son with his feelings of loss.

“A programme like this with help and tools to help him following his brother's death would have been invaluable.” 

The programme has been made possible with funding and generous support from the National Lottery Community Fund.  

Programme for Parents is free to access and is available on our website.