Parents and Carers
When someone close to a child or young person has died, it can be difficult to know what to do to support them.
Nelson’s Journey can provide telephone guidance through our Support Line, and other services depending on what’s appropriate for your child. This may include appointments with a Child Bereavement Support Worker and group activities for children to meet others in a similar situation. We can provide support whether the person died very recently or a long time ago, and our services are provided at no cost to families.
Not every child needs our services as many are able to cope with the help of family and friends. However, if you feel that our services may help your child, please get in touch with us so we can discuss your concerns.
Covid-19 update: We are currently unable to deliver all of the services referred to on our website due to the Covid-19 outbreak. However, please still get in touch with us as we are still here to help – please click here to find out how best to make contact with us.
Tina and Sammy’s story
Tina and her daughter Sammy talk about the support they had from Nelson’s Journey
How we can help
You are welcome to call us for guidance and to talk about any issues or concerns you have.
Nelson’s Journey provides different services depending on the individual needs of each child / young person. Our support may include:
- Telephone and email guidance through our Support Line.
- A professional assessment of the child / young person’s needs by one of our Child Bereavement Support Workers. This gives an opportunity for the child / young person to talk about their feelings and memories of who died, and talk about ways to cope with their feelings and remember their special person.
- Following an assessment, it may be that further sessions are appropriate. Each session is around an hour, and sessions can be spread over several months depending on their needs.
- Group sessions, such as workshops or positive activities, may be offered where children can meet others with similar bereavement needs and experiences
We also provide freely downloadable resources below which you can use at home to support your child.
Nelson’s Journey can discuss with you which of these services are most appropriate for your child’s needs. Most children won’t need access to all of the services that we offer for their needs to be met.
Resources you can use at home
You can download and make use of our free resources to support your child
Try Smiles and Tears, our new Smartphone App
Save your memories, remember your special person and seek support from our new, free, smartphone app available to download from Google Play and the App Store.
FAQs (printable version)
Memory Book
At Time of Bereavement Booklet
Ways to remember
Anger Management
Book List for Parents and Carers
Sleep tips for teenagers
Sleep tips for younger children
Memory Bricks
Activity sheet: ‘Things I loved about you’
Activity sheet: ‘Things I remember about you’
Refer your child for support
Please note: we are only able to support young people up to their 18th birthday who live in Norfolk
If you would like to speak to us about supporting your child, please call us on 01603 431 788. You will be put through to one of our Child Bereavement Support Workers, who are available on our Support Line between:
Monday 9:30am – 4:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am – 4:30pm
Wednesday 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Thursday 9:30am – 4:30pm
Friday 9:30am – 4:00pm
We are closed on bank holidays and at weekends.
The Child Bereavement Support Worker will talk through your concerns, and whether Nelson’s Journey can provide an appropriate service for the current bereavement needs of your child.
Positive Activities
We offer children and young people referred to us (and on occasions their families) the opportunity to take part in one off positive activities. These may include outings, events or activities that offer children and young people the opportunity to meet others who’ve had similar experiences and help them relax and enjoy themselves. These positive activities may be run by NJ staff or by other providers and partners.
Online forum
Our forum for children and young people to share their feelings, memories and experiences. All messages are monitored by Nelson’s Journey before they go on the forum. It’s only for young people supported by NJ and there are photos and videos. We can let you know your children’s login details as soon as we receive a referral.
Join 1st Smiles Scout Group!
An exciting opportunity for bereaved children and young people in Norfolk to experience the positive benefits of Scouting!
1st Smiles Scout Group is a project run by Norfolk Scouts to:
- Bring bereaved children and young people together to help them meet others and have fun
- Build confidence to help attendees gain resilience and promote their own wellbeing
- Learn new life skills to help them thrive in the future
- Encourage children and young people to help others and support their communities
Membership is open to young people referred to Nelson’s Journey for a service.
Registration and Questions: 1stSmiles@norfolkscouts.org.uk
Residential weekends and activity days
Some children join us for a residential weekend or one-day programme at Hilltop Outdoor Centre and learn how to cope with emotions and new ways of remembering their special person who died. They build their self-confidence and make new friends. A Child Bereavement Support Worker may discuss with families if they feel this could be a helpful service for the child’s needs.
Meet the team
Your support worker is there to talk to your child about their feelings and memories, and to help with any particular issues or concerns.
Left to right: Adam White, Amy Sale, Kerry Will, Debbie Winteringham, Lorna Vyse, Fiona Coull and Duncan Green
Contact Us
Nelson’s Journey, Bradbury Building - Smiles House, Octagon Business Park, Hospital Road, Little Plumstead, Norwich, NR13 5FH
