A NATIONAL bereavement service for children will be introduced today by Barnardos. Solas will provide a telephone line and counselling service for children and their families after the death of a parent, carer, sibling or a central figure in their lives.
The subject of death was not generally thought of in terms of children, according to Barnardos. However, it was not something they could be shielded from.
"As good grieving is crucial to the emotional well being and future development of children, and as a part of its commitment to children's welfare, Barnardos has decided to respond to this need by setting up a new service. The project will take a multifaceted approach and a number of other services will be provided," said Barnardos.
These services include family counselling, individual and group work with children, and advice and training to volunteers and professionals who are in contact with children.
An information booklet Death Helping Children Understand will be available to the public from the Barnardos National Children's Resource Centre in Christchurch Square, Dublin 8. It aims to explain how children at various stages understand death. It may also be helpful for adults talking to children about death.
"Breaking the news to children of the death of a parent, sibling, closer relative or friend can be very difficult. Whether the death is sudden or anticipated, parents and carers want to protect children and themselves from greater distress. However, children need to be told about death and helped understand the implications of their loss," Barnardos said.
Parents are advised to use simple and practical terms, such as "death and dying" even though they seem harsh, they are less likely to lead to misunderstandings. Other advice includes making it clear when someone dies that this means their body is no longer working. The heart stops beating, they no longer eat and sleep, and they no longer feel pain.
People should be careful about using words such as "she's gone to sleep" or "gone away" as children may get confused by these terms. Children also need permission to express their feelings in their own way following a bereavement.
The advice line will be open from Monday to Friday from 10 am. to noon at 01 473-2110. Barnardos