Mental Health Resources

For school staff

The Mind and Soul Foundation (www.mindandsoulfoundation.org)

The Mind and Soul Foundation helps leaders explore Christianity and mental health. Many articles, advice, books, audio, video and training resources to support your own mental health and that of the others you care for. A definite recommendation for a first port of call for Christians looking for advice and support on mental health.

Youthscape (www.youthscape.co.uk)

Youthscape has many articles, including research and ones written with a Christian-faith lens, resources to buy including informational booklets, self-help and games for a wide range of mental health and emotional health topics of use for the individual, families, youth groups and school classroom.

Youth for Christ (yfc.co.uk)

An Introduction to Working with Mental Health video. This is a helpful video with top tips for youth workers to support young people with their mental health.

https://yfc.co.uk/howtohelp/ – Various ‘How to help…’ PDFs to download and fill in to help young people, including ‘How to Help’… be healthy, …friendships, …confidence, …resilience, …hormones, …grief and loss, …deal with anxiety.

YFC’s YouTube playlists:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gp6qxMEzG0&list=PLkoPwjptUrJidfblAA6PFn2SaeU-VilD7

This link takes you to Youth for Christ’s YouTube channel and Erin Docherty’s ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ (Erin is a Clinical Lead Nurse within CAMHS). On this page you can then also see other short videos to help support mental health, under ‘Sometimes it Hurts 2022’.

Scottish Bible Society Ten Must Know Bible Stories (www.scottishbiblesociety.org/resources/schools)

Assemblies and lesson plans for Bible stories which include themes of feeling unsafe or afraid and overcoming obstacles, all written for the Scottish Curriculum.

Prayer Spaces in Schools (prayerspacesinschools.com)

“Prayer spaces enable children and young people, of all faiths and none, to explore life’s questions, spirituality and faith in a safe, creative and interactive way.” There are many prayer activities to be found with the ‘mental health’ tab.

HeartSmart (www.heartsmartv.com/browse)

Teaching and training videos, and classroom notes for around six lessons for each year group (written for mainstream and Christian schools in England) and an assembly for use with primary age children. Based on Biblical principles, the resources are built around five key values: ‘Don’t Forget to Let Love in!’, ‘Too Much Selfie isn’t Healthy!’, ‘Don’t Rub it In, Rub it Out!’, ‘Fake is a Mistake!’ and ”No Way Through’, isn’t True!’

‘Boris the Robot’ is the central character in HeartSmart and there is a book to buy and video to watch about his story. A free trial is available to try out the resources.

SU England and Wales (https://content.scriptureunion.org.uk/resources-activities)

SU England and Wales’ Mental Health Extra Support (https://content.scriptureunion.org.uk/resource/mental-health-and-wellbeing-extra-support) – This resource includes advice for engaging with children and young people and signposts places where additional support can be found.

Dernier Books (https://dernierpublishing.com)

Dernier Books recommend the following stories for children in and out of the classroom to read:-

‘The Dove Stone’ (P.S.Daunton) – At one point, one of the main characters is feeling hopeless and thinking about slipping into the river. He is being bullied and doesn’t feel heard, but finds a way of facing his fears, with help from friends and prayer… and a pike!

‘Deepest Darkness’ (Denise Hayward) is a lovely book for 7-11s. It’s about a girl called Abi, who lives her life full of fear and has struggled with night terrors as long as she can remember. It’s a very gentle story in a way, but is full of adventure, and has had a deep impact on readers. It is a story we can all identify with at some level, even if we don’t struggle with anxiety constantly, like Abi. It also helps readers to understand others, which is, of course, important for this age group.

‘The Beech Bank Girls’ series (Eleanor Watkins) touches on all sorts of issues girls face. All four of them have stories from girls about all sorts of things, from families to bereavement, to anger, temptations, body image… and so much more.

Dernier publishing’s books have a suitable level of Biblical reference for use in schools, without watering down the message of God’s love. The newer books have classroom discussion questions printed in the back of them. Teachers are welcome to sign up to receive Discussion Questions from all their books here: www.dernierpublishing.com/discussion.

Fischy Music (www.fischy.com)

Fischy Music supports emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing in children through song. For 25 years Fischy Music has used songs to nurture positive mental health in children by helping them express and manage a range of emotions by singing and writing song.

Based in Edinburgh, some of their songs, such as ‘Build Up’ and ‘You are a star’ are part of the everyday lives of children, schools and families across the UK and beyond.

As well as producing songs, Fischy music has helped over 100 groups of children write their own songs and have trained thousands of adults who work with, and care for children, in the use of songs and music for the wellbeing of children. Having worked in partnership with the Scottish Government and key programmes such as ‘Seasons for Growth’, their songs and projects have been featured on national TV and media and sung at several high profile national events.

POP UK (popuk.org)
POP UK offers supported educational programmes of social, moral, spiritual and cultural learning delivered through a vibrant singing and recording project and also a bank of free lively songs, accompanied by teaching videos, based on Christian values. Outcomes draw heavily from the areas of Health and Wellbeing, and Skills for Learning, Life and Work, as well as RME. The focus is also on making links across a school cluster and between school and community. Previous workshops have included songs about various Health and Wellbeing topics.

Flourish Project (protonfoundation.com/flourish-project)

The Flourish Project resources schools, communities and churches. It has been created to help young people to develop a growth mindset, creating helpful thinking patterns and enabling the young person to start to understand their potential, realizing future aspirations and setting goals for the future. There are eight sessions including ones on belief and identity. Training is offered for teachers to deliver the course. There is also an online option (aimed at fulfilling English KS2 & 3 requirements).

Emotional logic (www.emotionallogiccentre.org.uk)

“Emotional Logic is a personal development tool used by people of all ages to improve emotional intelligence in difficult situations. It makes sense of unpleasant emotions. People can then harness that emotional energy to face life’s challenges, build emotional resilience and embrace change.” The tool is taught and used in schools.

Jigsaw (www.jigsawpshe.com/home)

Curriculum resources, Schemes of Work and lesson plans for primary and secondary schools for a PSHE curriculum (English and international). An annual membership (based on pupil numbers) gives access to the relevant resources and extras.

CVE Scotland’s Mental Health online event, November 2020 (https://cve-scotland.org.uk/mental-health-in-schools-presentation)

‘Mental Health in Schools‘ event summary, which includes links to the presentation by Dr Rob Waller (Mind and Soul Foundation) and the slides used. In this presentation Dr Rob Waller gives a really helpful background to where and why society is in terms of mental health challenges, the importance of prevention, and the role of faith in building resilience.

CVE Scotland’s blog ‘Is Health and Wellbeing the most important thing?‘ may help give some perspective as teachers plan this part of the curriculum in schools.

These website links will take you to directly to extensive further mental health resources and advice (though not necessarily written from a Christian perspective):-

YoungMinds (www.youngminds.org.uk)

A charity ‘fighting for young people’s mental health’, providing information and advice to professionals working with young people, young people, parents and carers. There are articles relevant for school staff and training courses on various mental health issues which are CPD accredited. It also offers a consultancy and design service for schools to improve the mental health support which can be offered in a particular school.

The Education Hub (educationhub.co.uk)

Education Scotland (education.gov.scot)

Mentally healthy schools (mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk)

Place to Be (www.place2be.org.uk/our-services/services-for-schools/mental-health-resources-for-schools)

https://www.samh.org.uk/about-mental-health/children-and-young-people/child-and-adolescent-mental-health-services – general information and help on mental health by the Scottish Association for Mental Health

https://www.papyrus-uk.org/ – prevention of young suicide. Includes a schools guide to suicide prevention, intervention and postvention in schools and colleges, aimed specifically at teachers as well as school or college staff. It aims to equip teachers with the skills and knowledge necessary to support schoolchildren who may be having suicidal thoughts.

For school chaplains in school or church

The Mind and Soul Foundation (www.mindandsoulfoundation.org)

Helping leaders explore Christianity and mental health. Many articles, advice, books, audio, video and training resources to support your own mental health and that of the others you care for. A definite recommendation for a first port of call for Christians looking for advice and support on mental health.

The Mind and Soul Foundation’s site includes a link to the Mental Health Access Pack to increase discussion and sharing of ideas surrounding mental health and the Church, and equip the Church with knowledge and tools through theological, psychological and medical perspectives and signposting. This will help enable the Church to be supportive of people in their communities who are struggling with mental health issues.

Youthscape (www.youthscape.co.uk)

Youthscape has many articles, including research and articles written with a Christian-faith lens, resources to buy including informational booklets, self-help and games for a wide range of mental health and emotional health topics of use for the youth groups and in different church communities.

Youth for Christ (yfc.co.uk)

An Introduction to Working with Mental Health video. This is a helpful video with top tips for youth workers to support young people with their mental health.

YFC’s YouTube playlists:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gp6qxMEzG0&list=PLkoPwjptUrJidfblAA6PFn2SaeU-VilD7

Scottish Bible Society Ten Must Know Bible Stories (www.scottishbiblesociety.org/resources/schools)

Assemblies and lesson plans for Bible stories which include themes of feeling unsafe or afraid and overcoming obstacles, all written for the Scottish Curriculum and as well as being used in schools can easily be adapted for use in a church group. Particularly good if you’re looking for something to use outdoors.

Prayer Spaces in Schools (prayerspacesinschools.com)

HeartSmart (www.heartsmartv.com/browse)

Teaching and training videos, and classroom notes for around six lessons for each year group (written for mainstream and Christian schools in England) and an assembly for use with primary age children. Based on Biblical principles, the resources are built around five key values: ‘Don’t Forget to Let Love in!’, ‘Too Much Selfie isn’t Healthy!’, ‘Don’t Rub it In, Rub it Out!’, ‘Fake is a Mistake!’ and ”No Way Through’, isn’t True!’

‘Boris the Robot’ is the central character in HeartSmart and there is a book to buy and video to watch about his story. A free trial is available to try out the resources.

SU England and Wales (https://content.scriptureunion.org.uk/resources-activities)

Finding Jesus in the Storm, CVE Scotland mental health event presentation by Prof. John Swinton

Here is the recording of Professor John Swinton’s introduction and talk from CVE Scotland’s ‘Finding Jesus in the Storm’ event on 3rd June 2021. John speaks really helpfully around the question ‘what makes good mental health?’ He shares from his vast experiences with others about various mental health challenges (e.g. depression & schizophrenia), how these challenges can fit in with faith, and the role which other Christians and churches can play in healing.

Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries (https://sanctuarymentalhealth.org/uk/)

The Sanctuary Course is a free small-group resource designed to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and engage communities in meaningful conversations about mental health and faith. Each session examines a key mental health topic, and the accompanying films feature insights from mental health professionals, church leaders, and theologians.

Dernier Books (https://dernierpublishing.com)

Dernier Books recommend the following stories for children in and out of the classroom to read:-

Flourish Project (protonfoundation.com/flourish-project)

The Flourish Project resources schools, communities and churches. It has been created to help young people to develop a growth mindset, creating helpful thinking patterns and enabling the young person to start to understand their potential, realizing future aspirations and setting goals for the future. There are eight sessions including ones on belief and identity. Training is offered for youth workers and other church members to become a ‘Hub’ to deliver the course. There is also an online option (aimed at fulfilling English KS2 & 3 requirements).

Fischy Music (www.fischy.com)

Based in Edinburgh, some of their songs, such as ‘Build Up’ and ‘You are a star’ are part of the everyday lives of children, schools and families across the UK and beyond.

POP UK (popuk.org)
POP UK offers supported educational programmes of social, moral, spiritual and cultural learning delivered through a vibrant singing and recording project and also offers a bank of free lively songs, accompanied by teaching videos, based on Christian values. Outcomes draw heavily from the areas of Health and Wellbeing, and Skills for Learning, Life and Work, as well as RME. The focus is also on making links across a school cluster and between school and community. Previous workshops have included songs about various Health and Wellbeing topics.

CVE Scotland’s Mental Health online event, November 2020 (https://cve-scotland.org.uk/mental-health-in-schools-presentation)

These website links will take you to directly to extensive further mental health resources and advice (though not necessarily written from a Christian perspective):-

YoungMinds (www.youngminds.org.uk)

A charity ‘fighting for young people’s mental health’, providing information and advice to professionals working with young people, young people, parents and carers. There are articles relevant for adults working with young people and training courses on various mental health issues. It also offers a consultancy and design service to improve the mental health support which community groups can offer.

The Education Hub (educationhub.co.uk)

Education Scotland (education.gov.scot)

Mentally healthy schools (mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk)

https://www.papyrus-uk.org/ – prevention of young suicide.

For youth workers to use in church

The Mind and Soul Foundation (www.mindandsoulfoundation.org)

Youth for Christ (yfc.co.uk/an-introduction-to-working-with-mental-health)

This is a helpful video with top tips for youth workers to support young people with their mental health.

YFC’s YouTube playlists:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gp6qxMEzG0&list=PLkoPwjptUrJidfblAA6PFn2SaeU-VilD7

Youthscape (www.youthscape.co.uk)

Scottish Bible Society Ten Must Know Bible Stories (www.scottishbiblesociety.org/resources/schools)

Session outlines for Bible stories which include themes of feeling unsafe or afraid and overcoming obstacles, and although written for schools-use, can easily be adapted for use in a youth group setting. Particularly good if you’re looking for something to use outdoors with upper primary school age.

Prayer Spaces in Schools (prayerspacesinschools.com)

HeartSmart (www.heartsmartv.com/browse)

Teaching and training videos, and classroom notes for around six lessons for each year group (written for mainstream and Christian schools in England) and an assembly for use with primary age children – these would be easily transferable to use over 6 or 12 sessions with a youth group in Scotland. Based on Biblical principles, the resources are built around 5 key values: ‘Don’t Forget to Let Love in!’, ‘Too Much Selfie isn’t Healthy!’, ‘Don’t Rub it In, Rub it Out!’, ‘Fake is a Mistake!’ and ”No Way Through’, isn’t True!’

‘Boris the Robot’ is the central character in HeartSmart and there is a book to buy and video to watch about his story. A free trial is available to try out the resources.

SU England and Wales (https://content.scriptureunion.org.uk/resources-activities)

Care for the Family

‘A Mind of Their Own’ is a recent book from Christian charity Care for the Family that covers a wide range of topics and also has supporting online resources. Each chapter could be adapted into a session plan: https://www.careforthefamily.org.uk/courses/courses-for-parents/a-mind-of-their-own-stream/

Dernier Books (https://dernierpublishing.com)

Dernier Books recommend the following stories for children in and out of the classroom to read:-

‘The Dove Stone’ (P.S.Daunton) – themes of hopelessness, bullying and facing fears are mentioned.

‘Deepest Darkness’ (Denise Hayward) (for 7-11s) – tackles facing severe anxiety.

Flourish Project (protonfoundation.com/flourish-project)

The Flourish Project resources schools, communities and churches. It has been created to help young people to develop a growth mindset, creating helpful thinking patterns and enabling the young person to start to understand their potential, realizing future aspirations and setting goals for the future. There are eight sessions including ones on belief and identity. Training is offered for youth workers to become a ‘Hub’ to deliver the course. There is also an online option (aimed at fulfilling English KS2 & 3 requirements).

Fischy Music (www.fischy.com)

Based in Edinburgh, some of their songs, such as ‘Build Up’ and ‘You are a star’ are part of the everyday lives of children, schools and families across the UK and beyond. Fischy Music has a song bank (most available through a subscription) with songs searchable by some health and wellbeing topics, such as ’emotions’, ‘relationships’, ‘tough times’.

POP UK (popuk.org)
POP UK offers supported educational programmes of social, moral, spiritual and cultural learning delivered through a vibrant singing and recording project and also offers a bank of free lively songs, accompanied by teaching videos, based on Christian values. Outcomes draw heavily from the areas of Health and Wellbeing, and Skills for Learning, Life and Work, as well as RME. The focus is also on making links across a school cluster and between school and community. Previous workshops have included songs about various Health and Wellbeing topics.

CVE Scotland’s Mental Health online event, November 2020 (https://cve-scotland.org.uk/mental-health-in-schools-presentation)

Starving the Anxiety Gremlin (www.anxietyuk.org.uk/products/children-and-anxiety/starving-anxiety-gremlin)

A unique and award-winning resource to help young people understand different types of anxiety and how to manage them, including panic attacks, phobias, social anxiety, generalised anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. Based on cognitive behavioural principles that link thoughts, feelings and behaviours, the techniques described help young people to understand why they get anxious and how they can ‘starve’ their anxiety gremlin in order to manage their anxiety. This engaging workbook uses fun activities and real life stories, and can be used by young people aged 10+ on their own or with a parent or practitioner.

These website links will take you to directly to extensive further mental health resources and advice (though not necessarily written from a Christian perspective):-

YoungMinds (www.youngminds.org.uk)

A charity ‘fighting for young people’s mental health’, providing information and advice to professionals working with young people, young people, parents and carers. There are articles relevant for adults working with young people and training courses on various mental health issues. It also offers a consultancy and design service to improve the mental health support which community groups can offer.

The Education Hub (educationhub.co.uk)

Education Scotland (education.gov.scot)

Mentally healthy schools (mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk)

https://www.papyrus-uk.org/ – prevention of young suicide.

For families at home

The Mind and Soul Foundation (www.mindandsoulfoundation.org)

Many articles, advice, books, audio, video and training resources to support your own mental health and that of the others you care for. A definite recommendation for a first port of call for Christians looking for advice and support on mental health.

Care for the Family

‘A Mind of Their Own’ is a recent book from Christian charity Care for the Family that covers a wide range of topics and also has supporting online resources. Each chapter could be adapted into a lesson plan: https://www.careforthefamily.org.uk/courses/courses-for-parents/a-mind-of-their-own-stream/

Youthscape (www.youthscape.co.uk)

Youthscape has many articles, including research and ones written with a Christian-faith lens, resources to buy including informational booklets, self-help and games for a wide range of mental health and emotional health topics of use for families.

Youth for Christ (yfc.co.uk)

An Introduction to Working with Mental Health video. This is a helpful video with top tips for youth workers to support young people with their mental health but could also be helpful to other adults supporting young people in informal settings.

YFC’s YouTube playlists:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gp6qxMEzG0&list=PLkoPwjptUrJidfblAA6PFn2SaeU-VilD7

Scottish Bible Society Ten Must Know Bible Stories (www.scottishbiblesociety.org/resources/schools)

Session plans for Bible stories which include themes of feeling unsafe or afraid and overcoming obstacles – you could use these resources with your family, or even better invite some friends along too!

Prayer Spaces in Schools (prayerspacesinschools.com)

HeartSmart (www.heartsmartv.com/browse)

Teaching and training videos, and classroom notes for around six lessons for each year group (written for mainstream and Christian schools in England) and an assembly for use with primary age children. You would need to be willing to financially invest in these resources, so perhaps you could ask your church youth group to run them. Based on Biblical principles, the materials are built around 5 key values: ‘Don’t Forget to Let Love in!’, ‘Too Much Selfie isn’t Healthy!’, ‘Don’t Rub it In, Rub it Out!’, ‘Fake is a Mistake!’ and ”No Way Through’, isn’t True!’ The resources written for Christian schools are written to encourage children to address their wellbeing as connected to a Christian faith, so excellent for Christian families looking for faith-based resources on Wellbeing.

‘Boris the Robot’ is the central character in HeartSmart and there is a book to buy and video to watch about his story. A free trial is available to try out the resources.

SU England and Wales (https://content.scriptureunion.org.uk/resources-activities)

SU England and Wales’ Mental Health Extra Support (https://content.scriptureunion.org.uk/resource/mental-health-and-wellbeing-extra-support) – This website includes advice for engaging with children and young people and signposts places where additional support can be found.

Engage Worship (engageworship.org/store/product/jesus-emotions-a-creative-journal-for-families)

A lively and colourful journal (£6 each) to help young people explore, discuss and process different emotions, with Biblical references.

TOGETHER AT HOME

These PDF Emotion cards will help children unpack their feelings with reference to Bible quotes.

Dernier Books (https://dernierpublishing.com)

Dernier Books recommend the following stories for children in and out of the classroom to read:-

Discussion questions from all their books are either available in the back of the books (in the newer versions) or here: www.dernierpublishing.com/discussion.

Fischy Music (www.fischy.com)

CVE Scotland’s Mental Health online event, November 2020 (https://cve-scotland.org.uk/mental-health-in-schools-presentation)

Flourish Project (protonfoundation.com/flourish-project)

The Flourish Project resources schools, communities and churches. It has been created to help young people to develop a growth mindset, creating helpful thinking patterns and enabling the young person to start to understand their potential, realizing future aspirations and setting goals for the future. There are eight sessions including ones on belief and identity. There is an online option which could be accessed from home (aimed at approx. 9-14 year olds).

Starving the Anxiety Gremlin (www.anxietyuk.org.uk/products/children-and-anxiety/starving-anxiety-gremlin)

These website links will take you to directly to extensive further mental health resources and advice (though not necessarily written from a Christian perspective):-

YoungMinds (www.youngminds.org.uk)

The Education Hub (educationhub.co.uk)

Education Scotland (education.gov.scot)

Mentally healthy schools (mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk)

https://www.papyrus-uk.org/ – prevention of young suicide.

To recommend for young people to use

Headstrong (beheadstrong.uk)

A website designed for use by young people to read on a smartphone. It’s a great place for young people to be talking, sharing and reading about all kinds of topics on mental health, with lots of short videos to watch and helpful advice. Headstrong is a project led by Youthscape and supported by the Mind and Soul Foundation.

Youth for Christ (yfc.co.uk)

YFC’s YouTube playlists:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gp6qxMEzG0&list=PLkoPwjptUrJidfblAA6PFn2SaeU-VilD7

Dernier Books (https://dernierpublishing.com)

Dernier Books recommend the following stories for children in and out of the classroom to read. Dernier Books have Christian values woven throughout their stories

‘The Dove Stone’ (P.S.Daunton) – (themes of hopelessness, bullying and facing fears)

‘Deepest Darkness’ (Denise Hayward) (for 7-11s) – (theme of severe anxiety)

Starving the Anxiety Gremlin (www.anxietyuk.org.uk/products/children-and-anxiety/starving-anxiety-gremlin)

YoungMinds (www.youngminds.org.uk)

A charity ‘fighting for young people’s mental health’, providing information and advice to professionals working with young people, parents and carers as well as for young people themselves.

Music: you could suggest listening to some Fischy Music and/or POP UK’s songs

Looking after your own mental health

The Mind and Soul Foundation (www.mindandsoulfoundation.org)

Helping leaders explore Christianity and mental health (‘leaders’ can be church leaders but can equally be leaders in secular roles. This includes every teacher as they lead in their classroom, but there will also be some of these resources that are especially relevant to those with formal leadership roles in education). There are many articles, advice, books, audio, video and training resources to support your own mental health and that of the others you care for. A definite recommendation for a first port of call for Christians looking for advice and support on mental health.

Some recent articles include: ‘Avoiding Overwhelm’ and ‘Time to MOT your Mind’.

1) Mind and Soul Leaders Area: https://mindandsoulfoundation.org/Articles/646836/Mind_and_Soul/Resources/Leadership.aspx

2) Would you consider going to a leadership conference? Perhaps try something that is not a conference specifically for teachers/ministers/youth workers?! The Leadership Conference run by Alpha and HTB will encourage and inspire and usually has a mental health / wellbeing stream too. Sign up for the 2024 event: https://www.leadershipconference.org.uk/

Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries (sanctuarymentalhealth.org/uk)

ACEs & TRAUMA SCOTLAND – this is a closed facebook group which is a forum for discussion and potential avenue for support around issues of Adverse Childhood Experiences and/or trauma

Youth for Christ (yfc.co.uk)

YFC’s YouTube playlists:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gp6qxMEzG0&list=PLkoPwjptUrJidfblAA6PFn2SaeU-VilD7

Bereavement and loss resources and reading

Parenting for Faith (https://parentingforfaith.org/post/supporting-bereaved-families) has links to many resources, articles and books including a link to one of its own articles Supporting Bereaved Families.

Seasons for Growth (www.seasonsforgrowth.org.uk/programmes) is a programme well used in Scotland to help children who have experienced significant family loss or change. It has a wide range of uses but to mention is their help for dealing with significant life changes and bereavement.

Here is a PDF with discussion questions and notes which school staff and visiting chaplains will find helpful to use as a framework for a lesson looking at the topic of bereavement: Resilience Facing Bereavement

Youth for Christ‘s (https://yfc.co.uk/howtohelp/) – Various ‘How to help…’ PDFs to download and fill in to help young people, includes ‘How to Help…grief and loss’. Developed in conjunction with At A Loss (ataloss.org) who believe in signposting the bereaved to support. These sheets aim to provide a useful resource around grief and bereavement. There are four sheets to best suit your needs; one for children, one for young people, one for families and one for grown-ups wanting to help a child or young person. Should you want to process this further, At A Loss have an interactive ‘Tough Stuff’ journal that you can find here.

Together at Home (www.tath.co.uk/saying-goodbye)

Two PDF A4 sheets to help some of the families in our churches and communities to say goodbye to people that they love. It is in two parts; one for children to spend some time saying goodbye and a second to help parents as they love and support their children in the midst of their own grief.

Young Minds (youngminds.org.uk/) website has areas for young people to help process loss.

Winston’s Wish (winstonswish.org)

Winston’s Wish offers a range of helpful and practical resources, information and specialist publications for families and professionals supporting grieving children. They cover death by suicide, homicide, serious illness and in the military and are suitable for young children through to teenagers.

The Children’s Society UK (www.childrenssociety.org.uk/information/young-people/well-being)

The Children’s Society UK has many links to general advice and other help relating to grief and loss.

PLACE TO BE (place2be.org.uk)

This has an excellent range of resources for schools, with some specialist material on loss and bereavement and family break-up.

Mental Health Resources

For school staff

For school chaplains in school or church

For youth workers to use in church

For families at home

To recommend for young people to use

Looking after your own mental health

Bereavement and loss resources and reading

Additional Information

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