Bereavement support
The following guidance has been created to support you in the event of a bereavement in your group.
Support if an adult volunteer dies
If an adult volunteer in your group dies, it’s really important to come together to support one another and your young people.
Support if a young person dies
By coming together, you’ll be able to address what’s happened and plan how best to support your young people, and each other.
First night back
When Scout meetings begin again, young people in your Scout group may have lots of questions.
Where to get further help and support
If you or anyone in the group feels as though grief and sadness is impacting on daily life, talking to a GP can help. They may refer you to a local mental health support service or bereavement counselling.
Not everyone will want to speak to their GP and for those who do, they may find there is a long delay between seeking help and receiving it. There are several charitable organisations which exist to support those who are going through bereavement or feeling anxious or down. These include:
Cruse is the UK’s largest bereavement charity, which provides free care and bereavement counselling to people suffering from grief.
If you’re in Scotland, check out Cruse Scotland.
Child Bereavement UK supports families and educates professionals when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement.
Hope again is a website from Cruse bereavement care, specifically for young people who have been bereaved or are facing grief and loss. Find out more here:
Winston's Wish is a childhood bereavement charity in the UK. The charity offers a wide range of practical support and guidance to bereaved children, their families and professionals.
Grief Encounter is a Child Bereavement Charity. They support children and their families through the pain caused by the death of someone close to them.
The National Autistic Society have a directory of specialist autism counsellors who are available to support autistic people through bereavement and grief.
The Young Minds crisis line is a free 24/7 support service for young people facing a mental health crisis.
The Samaritans provide a 24-hour phone service that anyone can phone to discuss anything that’s on their mind.
Supporting Young People’s mental health in Scouts
For more information on mental health, spotting the signs and symptoms and where to get help.
Discover the support for mental health