WHALE SONG RESOURCES
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If you're looking for support for yourself or a child, or just wanting to get more information on how to talk to a child about death, we've collated some Whale Song resources, picture books, useful helplines and resources from charities specialising in bereavement.
WHALE SONG PROJECT RESOURCES
CLICK TO VISIT
A downloadable worksheet to get you thinking about how you can look after yourself when you're having big feelings. ​
BEREAVEMENT LEAFLET - CHILD BEREAVEMENT UK
When someone special dies - for under 7s
This leaflet has been prepared with the help of bereaved families. It aims to help children when they have been bereaved. Also essential for A&E, Intensive care units and professionals who support families. From Child Bereavement UK ​
When someone special dies - for ages 7 to 11
This leaflet has been prepared with the help of bereaved families. It aims to help children when they have been bereaved. Also essential for A&E, Intensive care units and professionals who support families. From Child Bereavement UK
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BOOKS ABOUT BEREAVEMENT FOR CHILDREN UP TO 11YRS
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'I'm a grim and grumpy little Small and nobody loves me at all,' said a small fox. But that's not true and Small's mother is determined to prove that her love is limitless - no matter what! With sparkly foil stars and a small, sturdy board format, this is the perfect story to share with the very young. A beautiful, lyrical, loving book about setting big worries to rest.
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When a little girl and her dad leave Mum in the hospital, they don't expect it to be the last time they see her. Sadly, she passes away soon after. When she and Dad are sorting out Mum's things, the little girl finds a red jumper that Mum loved. When she wears it, it smells of Mum - over time, it loses Mum's smell, but it doesn't matter. Perhaps grief never really goes away, but, like the jumper, you grow into it.
Jayde Perkin's sensitive and thoughtful picture book chronicling the way grief feels, and the death of a parent for a young child, is very well handled. Neither overly sentimental nor mawkish, it's a calm and touching portrayal of the ways we can remember the ones we've lost, and a reminder that time is the greatest healer.
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The subject of bereavement is treated in an unusual way in Michael Rosen's Sad Book, which deals with the death of the author's own son.
The main character is an adult - Michael Rosen himself. Quentin Blake's illustrations sensitively complement an account of grief that is both searingly personal and reassuringly universal.
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A hopeful book about big emotions. Told through the voice of a little girl who is labelled as quiet and shy, No Longer Alone follows her tumult of emotions as she navigates the world around her. But when she finally shares her feelings and tells her Dad all the things that are worrying her, she no longer feels so alone.
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Part book, part scrapbook Remembering was created to help keep a child’s memories alive after the loss of someone special and to give children a place to return to whenever they wish.
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This touching short story will help children with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) aged 3+ understand feelings caused by death and loss, and the illustrations help convey the complex experience of bereavement in a simple and clear way. Included is a teacher’s guide to talking about bereavement, grief and loss, making this the ideal aid for teachers and support staff at SEND schools and colleges.
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This story that teaches of the tie that really binds. Mums and Dads feel the tug whenever kids give it; and kids feel the tug that comes right back: the Invisible String reaches from heart to heart. Does everybody have an Invisible String? How far does it reach anyway? Whether it is a loved one who has died, or a parent who is just in the next room, this book illustrates a new way to cope with a child’s fear of loneliness and separation. Here is a warm and delightful lesson teaching young and old that we are never really alone.
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The Care and Feeding of a Pet Black Hole
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When 11-year-old space mad Stella visits NASA, the last thing she expects is for a black hole to follow her home and set out to live in her house as a pet.
The black hole swallows everything it touches, which turns out to be very handy at getting rid of items that Stella doesn’t want around: ugly sweaters from her aunt, her younger brother’s favourite (and annoying) toy, and most importantly, all the reminders of her dead father that are just too painful to have around.
But when the family puppy is inadvertently swallowed up by the black hole, Stella and her brother embark on an epic, interstellar adventure to retrieve what has been lost before it’s too late. A heartwarming, sensitively funny and uplifting illustrated story of one girl's journey, both physical and emotional, in confronting her grief.
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The Boy Who Built a Wall Around Himself
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Boy built a wall to keep himself safe. Behind it he felt strong and more protected. Then Someone Kind came along. She bounced a ball, sang and painted on the other side of the wall, and Boy began to wonder if life on the other side might be better after all. Written for children aged 4 to 9, this gentle full-colour picture book uses a simple metaphor to explain how children who have had painful or traumatic experiences can build barriers between themselves and other people. It will help children explore their feelings and encourage communication.
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USEFUL HELPLINES AND SERVICES IN HULL AND EAST YORKSHIRE
CHILDLINE
If you're a child or young person and want to talk to someone about anything at anytime, Childline is there
Online - www.childline.org.uk
On the phone - 0800 1111
CHILD BEREAVEMENT UK
Resources, videos and further training at
Professionals Helpline: 08000288840
CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENATL HEALTH SERVICES
Referrals and support in Hull and East Yorkshire
Emergency Referrals Hull: 01482 303688
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CRUSE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT
Local Hull branch for child bereavement support
Local Hull Branch Helpline: 01482 966000
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DOVE HOUSE LOCAL BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT
Local child bereavement support groups in Hull and East Yorkshire
https://www.dovehouse.org.uk/children/
For referrals call - 01482 785745
Or 07890 630864
Or email - children@dovehouse.org.uk
NHS MENTAL HEALTH ADVICE AND SUPPORT LINE
NHS Mental Health Advice and Support Line - 0800 138 0990
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The Mental Health Advice and Support Line is available 24 hours a day for anyone in the Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire area who requires information, advice and support with their mental health. This is aimed at adults, but they can refer you to the best place of support for a child or young person.
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You can also contact this line if you are worried about family or friends who may be struggling with their mental health.
HULL AND EAST YORKSHIRE MIND
Mental health services
Hull contact - 01482 240200
or email - info@heymind.org.uk
SAMARITANS
If you're an adult and need someone to talk to, they’ll listen.
They won’t judge or tell you what to do
Call - 116 123
email - jo@samaritans.org
NSPCC HELPLINE
If you’re concerned about a child
Call - 0808 800 5000