Campaigners are calling for a renewed focus on the children who have lost their parent or carer during Covid-19, warning that we’ve become desensitised to the human loss.

Over 50,000 children have lost caregivers in the pandemic

At least 10,000 children have been bereaved of a primary caregiver across the UK due to the pandemic according to research published in the Lancet in July 2021. And over 50,000 children have had a parent, guardian or carer die from other causes over the last 20 months.

As we mark Children’s Grief Awareness Week (18-25 November), Cruse and other childhood bereavement services are asking the public to listen to bereaved children and young people and understand how important it is to them to receive support when they are grieving. Their words have been captured in a series of word clouds, with an overwhelming message of support, community and acceptance.

We also asked bereaved children and young people what they would say to another bereaved child or young person who is not yet receiving specialist support. We are acutely aware that with the increase in bereavement, there are children out there who could benefit from being in a welcoming environment to support them around their grief. Again, children have endorsed the vital work offered by childhood bereavement practitioners.

Cruse Bereavement Support is part of the Childhood Bereavement Network, a network of charities and other organisations supporting children, young people and their families dealing with grief and bereavement, and supporting local schools and children’s professionals too.

We’ve seen fundraising income cut substantially as the pandemic impacted on many core fundraising activities and challenges. This Children’s Grief Awareness Week, campaigners are calling on the public to support their local service or organisation so this vital work can continue into 2022.