This National Grief Awareness week, Catherine responded to a Petitions Committee debate on children and bereavement in her role as Minister for School Standards. In her response, Catherine set out the Government’s plans to support children and young people experiencing bereavement.

Catherine outlined the Government’s commitment to improving mental health support for all children and young people, through providing access to specialist mental health professionals in every school, introducing new Young Future Hubs, and recruiting an additional 8,500 new mental health staff.

The Department for Education has also offered all state schools and colleges a grant to train a senior mental health lead by 2025 to ensure that schools have an effective approach to wellbeing and can support any child going through bereavement.

In addition, the 75 most deprived local authorities received around £300 million between 2022 and 2025 to set up family hubs, providing accessible support for families, including potential bereavement support. Following the October Budget, the Government confirmed an additional £69 million from the Department for Education to continue the delivery of family hubs in 2025.

Following the debate, Catherine commented:

“Conversations around grief and loss are difficult, but something that cannot and should not be avoided. It was an honour to respond to my first Petitions Committee debate – a Committee I formerly chaired – as a Government Minister to respond to the important issues being raised.

“The Government is committed to supporting children and young people who experience bereavement – something that touches everyone in unique ways. Through improving mental health support, reforming the curriculum, and funding Family Hubs, the Government will ensure that every child and young person has access to the support they need during the most difficult times.”

If you, or someone you know is struggling with grief, you can visit: https://childrenandfamiliesnewcastle.org.uk/mental-health in Newcastle and https://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/category/1572/children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-emotional-wellbeing in North Tyneside.