Back to School 2026

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Back to School 2026:

 

Like other milestones or changes, returning to school or starting a new school, college or university can stir up lots of different feelings. You might feel excited, anxious, proud, sad, angry or happy. Perhaps a mixture of all.  Whatever you feel is okay.

There are things you can do to help yourself and things the adults on your life can do to help you too. Don’t be afraid to ask.

You might feel worried about leaving your carer or safe adult. Together you can look at ways to ease this. It might be that you take a comforter to school, need some extra reassurance or a very structured routine to help you feel secure. Sometimes it can be helpful to know where your carer will be while you’re at school.

Work with a trusted adult around how you might answer questions from your peers. They might ask about your family or your bereavement directly. Nelson’s Journey can provide you with ‘Smiles and Tears’ cards. These can help you communicate with your friends and teachers what you need from them.

Don’t expect too much from yourself, you’re going through a tough time and a big change so be kind and compassionate to yourself!

There are things your carers can do to support you in returning to school. These include:

  • Involving you in what you need and want from your teachers and school friends. They can help you decide how much people at school know about your situation and needs
  • Schools are always open to conversations with caregivers about the needs of a child returning to school. Together they can create a plan for difficult times. This might be a time out card, a designated adult to talk to or a quiet space you can access. The plan needs to be flexible to adapt to your changing needs.
  • Routines are really important to give us a sense of safety and security. With your carer you can build a good routine around sleep, school, meals and other activities.

You might really miss your special person during your return to school or college so think about ways you can keep them in your mind and heart during this time.

Perhaps you can write a note for your memory box telling them all about it, take something with you belonging to that person such as a small item or a photograph in your bag. Or you could visit a special place after your first day. This could be a grave, memorial site or somewhere else of importance to reflect and make them part of your day.

 

If you require support and would like to talk to one of our team, please call our support line on 01603 431788

Grief Connections – August 2026

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Grief Connections – August 2026

 

Earlier this month, we held one of our Grief Connections therapeutic days and have shared below a young person’s experience from the day.

 

(Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals involved)

 

‘Will came to the Grief Connections day with his Mum because his Grandad, who he described as his ‘best mate’, died, and he needed some support with processing his grief.

 

Will’s Mum was worried that he wasn’t processing his grief and wasn’t accepting that his Grandad had really died. After engaging with the activities throughout the day, Will found he was able to talk to the others and share his story of why he was there. This was the first time that he had spoken about his Grandad since he had died just over a year ago.

 

Will wasn’t sure about attending the day because he was worried about talking about his Grandad; however, he said he found the day really helpful, and particularly enjoyed the activities to help with anger. He thought they were a really good idea and helped him. Both he and his Mum liked how visual and relaxed the day was; they said it didn’t feel like being in a classroom and it was a very informative session.

 

His Mum said that they were both grateful to have somewhere they can go for support, and from a parent’s perspective, described it as a ‘safety net ’, and it was great to have people there to help her to help her son.

 

Both Will and his Mum said that they found it useful to speak to others who had been through similar things, and having people to speak to and help them with their grief journey helped them to feel less alone.’

 

If you require support and would like to talk to one of our team, please call our support line on 01603 431788

 

 

 

This weekend was kindly funded by Norfolk Community Foundation through the East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund

Results Day 2026

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Results Day 2026:

 

For children and young people, results day can be a huge milestone and therefore can be a challenging period when a young person is missing a significant person from their life. The absence of someone they love, can trigger very difficult feelings associated with grief, and can spark a number of questions and thoughts regarding the absence of their loved one, such as:

 

– Would my special person be proud of my results?

– I wish I could talk to them about the results

– Should I feel guilty about being happy and celebrating my results when I’m grieving?

– I’m nervous about beginning the next chapter of my life without them being here

 

Some children and young people may already feel these absences in the lead-up to significant days such as results day, for others, it may not hit them until afterwards. Remember, you have worked hard and may want to celebrate your results and look forward to your next steps, whether this be college, sixth form, an apprenticeship or something else. Alternatively, your grief may feel heavier throughout this time, and this is also ok and normal. The journey of grief is unique to everyone and it’s important to take care of yourself and find ways to support yourself if these difficult moments arise.

 

Some of our Child Bereavement Support Workers have shared some tips and ideas on ways to help you cope if you’re struggling to cope when these milestone moments arise, here are their ideas:

 

Duncan:

‘Think about how and where you want to receive your results. Do you want to do this alone, or with a friend or family member.

Remember it’s common to feel a mix of emotions. There may be sadness that the important person isn’t there with you, but it’s also okay to be happy and celebrate your success without feeling guilty.

Maybe start a milestone diary, that you can add to as you get older. When you reach further important milestones, you can write about it in the diary as if you were telling your special person.

Remind yourself that taking your exams while grieving is a massive achievement, whatever the outcome.’

 

Amy:

‘Results day can be an overwhelming day for lots of young people, but particularly if you are missing someone special.

It could be helpful to plan a moment during the day to remember and feel close to your special person, such as lighting a candle, visiting the grave or a place special to them, or writing them a letter about how you’re feeling about your results and next steps.

It’s also important to remember that it’s ok if it is a day of celebration and joy, you shouldn’t feel bad if you are happy. You should feel proud of all of the hard work you put into your exams and how far you have come.’

 

All at Nelson’s Journey wish you the best of luck for results day and for your next steps!

 

If you require support and would like to talk to one of our team, please call our support line on 01603 431788

Sydney’s story

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Sydney’s Story

 

Ahead of Father’s Day, Sydney has chosen to share their story about their dad and experience with Nelson’s Journey.

“In 2017, at the age of ten, my father died suddenly; my grandfather died the day after. This completely changed me, and I found myself trapped in my own grief. I struggled for a long time to go to school and keep up with the friends I had. This was a profound setback for me, and I deeply socially regressed and found the prospect of ever returning to my life incredibly daunting. I continued this way until I got support from Nelson’s Journey through the advice of a family friend.

 

Nelson’s Journey provided me with the support that I needed at the time to get back on track. I was given one-on-one sessions with a support worker both in school and at Nelson’s Journey’s offices; these helped me especially to work through and process my feelings around my bereavement. Nelson’s Journey also helped me regain my confidence to return to school, they also spoke to my school to provide an easy route for me to come back. I remember being told by a support worker at the time that “It won’t always be like this. You won’t believe it now but it won’t”, this deeply helped me at the time to be able to continue with my life again.

 

Nelson’s Journey also gave me the opportunity to attend a two-day residential, and this really helped me to regain my confidence. It was very beneficial for me to be around people who had also experienced grief and were around my age. The emotional acceptance and catharsis I felt in combination with the fun activity provided created an experience that proved transformative to me. The care provided by everyone involved created an environment where I was truly able to open up and heal.

 

After having received support from Nelson’s Journey I very quickly decided I wanted to give back to them in my own way. I became a young volunteer in 2019 when I turned 13 and quickly began attending all the opportunities I could. It was great to be able to steer the projects of the charity in the direction I as a service user felt fit. It always felt like I and the other young volunteers were trusted to create the best support for others like us. It was an incredible responsibility that we were always guided on by great adult volunteers. This ran in tandem with the opportunities we got to volunteer at events which was also rewarding in its own way.

 

During my time as a young volunteer I was given plenty of opportunities to develop skills that have helped me deeply in my life. I was able to speak in front of crowds that originally may have made me nervous, but with the help and coaching of Nelson’s Journey, I was able to gain confidence. I remember speaking at the first Christmas quiz I volunteered at in front of hundreds of people and feeling nervous until I was reassured by some of my fellow volunteers that it would go great. Through this and several other opportunities, I was able to develop my skills and as a person, without the opportunities given to me by Nelson’s Journey, I would be a much different person.

 

I stopped young volunteering when I turned 18 last year but have carried on as a volunteer. This gives me the ability to support the charity albeit in a different capacity. It is wonderful to be able to facilitate meetings that I once would have attended as a young volunteer. To be able to work with the next generation of young volunteers is a privilege and I am grateful to be able to help the charity in this way.

 

With Nelson’s Journey’s support, I was able to return to school and my social life. I am now off to university in September, studying English at Cambridge University.

 

Without the support of Nelson’s Journey, I would not have gotten to where I am today, and I am eternally grateful to them for that support.

 

Thank you so much to Sydney for sharing your story!

 

Explaining death – using the right language

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Explaining death – using the right language

When someone close to you or your young person dies, finding the right words to tell a child or young person what has happened. One thing we advocate at Nelson’s Journey is an open and honest approach with children and young people. Being honest about what has happened, how the person died, and what will be occur with the funeral and the future, is the best thing to do.

 

The best way to do this is to make sure to use language they will understand. In our experience, language that tries to soften the information you’re trying to share can often cause confusion and anxiety for the child or young person. If you use language that they will understand, at an age appropriate level, this will support them to be able to make the most sense of the information and process their feelings.

 

It is best to avoid using words such as:

 

‘Lost’ as the child may think the person can be found

‘They’ve gone to Sleep’ as this may leave children fearful of going to sleep and never waking up

‘Gone on a Journey’ as this may imply that the person may come back or the child may be scared to go on holiday

 

Children benefit much more by hearing things such as “died”, “their body stopped working” and “when someone has died, they can never come back”. This may seem insensitive but will give them greater understanding of the situation and make them better equipped to cope with it. It’s also a way to help increase their vocabulary by introducing these words.

 

By using clear and factual language you’re also helping to build trust and allow the child or young person to know you’re being honest and will share information with them if they ask.

 

If you need further guidance on explaining death to a young person and the language to use, please contact Nelson’s Journey’s Support Line on 01603 431788.

How to support a bereaved young person through the exam season

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How to support a bereaved young person through the exam season:

Exams are a difficult time for many students, but for young people who are grieving, it can heighten emotions and stress even further. The process of grief can also cause a lack of concentration, memory issues, disrupted sleep, low energy levels and emotional unpredictability. All of these can make undertaking exams harder, and can make young people feel more pressured and overwhelmed.

Nelson’s Journey have put together some tips about how to support a bereaved young person through the exam period.

 

  1. Ask them how they are feeling and what they need

Start a conversation and ask them how they are feeling about their upcoming exams

  • How do you feel about your exams?
  • Do you have any worries?
  • What can I do to help?

 

  1. Encourage self-care

Speak to them about ways they may be able to look after their wellbeing throughout the exam period. This may be having their favourite meal for after an exam, watching a movie together or a day out with friends on the weekend. By helping the young person to plan some things they will look forward to, it may help them to get through the busy exam season.

 

  1. Support them to maintain routine

Exams are a big adjustment and change for a young person, and a time of new challenges. Maintaining routines around sleep, meals, and general structure of activities can help with stability and lower stress levels of the young person.

 

  1. Help them to remember their person

Provide them with opportunities to talk about and remember their special person. Ask them how they would like to do this, and give them the time, space and opportunity to do so.

 

  1. Support them after exams

If an exam has not gone as well as they would have liked, the young person may feel upset or deflated. Reassure them that they tried their best, and that is what matters the most.

 

  1. Seek support

Consider contacting and involving the school or college to let them know if the young person is struggling, so they can help and contact the exam board if necessary.

 

If you need further guidance on supporting a bereaved child through the exam season, please contact Nelson’s Journey’s Support Line on 01603 431788.

Harvey and Isobel’s story

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Harvey and Isobel’s story

We recently spoke with Sarah, Harvey and Isobel’s mum, about how Nelson’s Journey has supported them:

“In February 2018 Grandad Coco sadly passed away. Our son was 6 years old and Great Grandad was his first bereavement.

“Our son was confused, upset and as the weeks went by his behaviour changed. I went to his school for advice and they gave me the Nelson’s Journey leaflet.

“After a few phone calls and a visit at home, Nelson’s Journey support worker went into school to do sessions with our son.

“Sadly in February 2019 our family had the devastating news that cousin Charlie aged 9 had been diagnosed with a rare, aggressive brain tumour (DIPG). This was absolutely heart breaking but how could we explain this to a 6 year old. I had phoned our Nelson’s Journey support worker and she was absolutely amazing. [NJ] had sent us links for lots of different ways to explain to a child. Our son loved Lego and [NJ] had sent information on how to tell him about cousin Charlie through this.

“Our son still had his sessions at school but the conservations and activities were based around Charlie (Harvey’s choice). Charlie sadly passed away July 2019 age 10. At such a devastating time we are so pleased that we had [NJ] to help and support not only our son but us as well.

“Nelson’s Journey helped us in so many ways, helped Harvey find ways to cope, talk about his feelings, be able to talk about loved ones and know it’s OK to be happy.

“Every year since we have gone to all Nelson’s Journey events, Christmas Time to Remember, Easter events and the Walk of Smiles. These events help us not only to remember and think about our loved ones but to remember how far our family has come.

“Thank you Nelson’s Journey for helping us when we needed it, thank you for helping us smile again.”

Isobel and Harvey ‘love to raise money for Nelson’s Journey to not only say thank you but to help more children who need support.’ and as a family have raised a total over £1,200 which goes towards supporting bereaved children and young people. Thank you!

Our tips for coping with Mother’s Day

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Our tips for coping with Mother’s Day

 

Whilst many people will be celebrating Mother’s Day on Sunday 15th March, there will be many bereaved children and young people in Norfolk who will find the day extremely difficult. They will be missing their mum, or the person who they’ve looked up to as their mother figure, some for the first time.

 

To help navigate this Mother’s Day we’ve put together some of our top tips:

 

1.Spend the day how you would like to

There is no right or wrong way to feel, you may be sad, happy or not feel either emotion.

 

You could remember your mum or avoid the day altogether, just remember to allow yourself to do what feels right for you, there’s no expectations.

 

2.Do things to remember them

Take time to remember your mum by listening to their favourite song, going on their favourite walk or eating their favourite chocolate bar.

 

3.Talk about them

Share stories and memories you have and reminisce with others that knew them.

 

4.Avoid social media

Lots of people will be sharing posts of their mum which can be overwhelming so you may find it best to avoid social media completely on this day.

 

5.Do something to mark the day

Buy or make a card, which you could leave by the grave, at a special place or it could be stored safely in a memory box or book.

 

Always remember whilst mum is not physically there anymore, she still has a place in your life, and whilst it’s a different place, she will always be your mum.

 

Whatever you choose to do, the team here at Nelson’s Journey will be thinking of those who are remembering their Mum or the person they looked to as their mother figure.

 

If you require support and would like to talk to one of our team, please call our support line on 01603 431788

 

Paige’s story

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Paige’s Story

 

As part of Children’s Mental Health Week, Paige has chosen to share her story about her dad and her experience with Nelson’s Journey

“In 2015, when I was 16, my world changed forever. My dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer and sadly passed away just 18 weeks later. At that age, I didn’t know how to cope. I bottled up my feelings and tried to carry on, which often led to overwhelming outbursts of anger and sadness.

 

Everything changed when I found support through Nelson’s Journey, a Norfolk-based charity dedicated to helping bereaved children and young people. Their 1:1 counselling, group sessions, and an activity weekend at Hilltop Outdoor Centre gave me something I desperately needed: understanding.

 

At that weekend, I met others who truly understood what I was going through. Together, we created memory boxes and jars, lit candles in remembrance, and shared stories of our loved ones. We learned that grief looks different for everyone – and that’s okay. Nelson’s Journey equipped me with practical strategies to cope and helped me see that finding moments of joy after bereavement is not only possible but healthy.

 

Today, I’m proud to give back as a volunteer for Nelson’s Journey. I’ve learned how to support children through conversations about death and grief – skills that have even helped me talk to my 8-year-old niece about my dad. I’m incredibly grateful for the impact Nelson’s Journey has had on my life and the difference they continue to make for so many young people.

 

Losing my dad had a profound impact on my mental health, but through the years, I’ve grown more resilient – both personally and professionally. I know he would be proud of the person I’ve become. Today, I’m passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health.

 

Share more. Care more. End the stigma.”

 

Thank you so much to Paige for sharing her story!

 

Hilltop Activity Days – November 2025

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Hilltop Activity Days – Summer 2025

Last weekend we held one of our Therapeutic Weekends at Hilltop in Sheringham.

 

We had 19 young people attend over the 2 activity days. The Saturday was for 8-17 year olds while the Sunday was our new Under 8s day.

 

The Saturday was filled with activities. The High Ropes saw lots of the young people facings their fears and bravely trying the new activities, paired with therapeutic activities to help them tell their bereavement stories and navigate their grief.

 

The Sunday featured a new Under 8s programme, developed based on feedback and learnings from previous weekends, which saw children meet their new NJ teddy bears, tell their stories among others their age who have had similar experiences to them and learn strategies to cope with their feelings. In between therapeutic activities, the day saw the children brave their fears and take part in an outdoor assault course and low ropes.

 

The weekend was a huge success and all of the young people got a huge amount out of both activity days.

 

Our Senior Child Bereavement Support Worker Fiona said: ‘It was a brilliant weekend where families came together to experience something truly transformative. The activities enabled families to communicate and share their grief with one another and many friendships were formed.’

 

Funding and Marketing Officer Maisie attended the weekend for the first time and said: ‘It was privilege to spend the weekend working with the children and young people at Hilltop. It was brilliant to see the journey the young people went on from coming in first thing to collect their hoodies nervous and apprehensive about the day ahead, to quickly making friends and sharing their bereavement stories with confidence amongst one another!’

 

If you require support and would like to talk to one of our team, please call our support line on 01603 431788

 

 

 

This weekend was kindly funded by Norfolk Community Foundation through the Norfolk Superhero Fund