Bereavement support

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4

We understand that bereavement is faced by members of our school community at different times. Death can be difficult for young people to understand, especially when it is sudden. Children and adults will be confronted with a variety of emotions and grief will be handled in very different ways. At St Martin’s we care about all our students and the feelings they may be experiencing due to their loss. At this time, when we are unable to offer face to face support, we are at the end of the phone if you need any support. We have identified some websites that provide information to help to deal with bereavement.

Sadly members of our school community are being affected by bereavements linked to covid-19. Our thoughts and prayers are with all our staff, students and families who have recently lost loved ones. If you are experiencing a bereavement and are concerned about the impact on your child, please contact the school to speak to a member of staff.

The following websites have been updated as a response to the coronavirus pandemic:

General bereavement advice and guidance

Watch a short animation ‘Saying Goodbye’ from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust that could help when explaining the death of a loved one to children

Care for the Family have created the following resources, which can be downloaded.

Further resources:

Bereavement and Loss Policy April 2020
Supporting bereaved children through difficult times
When a grandparent dies - the impact on children and young people

The Lord  is my shepherd; 

I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: 
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: 
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; 
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: 
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: 
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord  for ever. 
Psalm 23

Please contact us at school if you need any help and support.  Our school Chaplain is also available to speak to by phone or email: emoorey@stmartins.academy