The Wave Project: Bereavement support
The Wave Project: Bereavement support for children and families
The Wave Project provides free, early intervention bereavement support for children and young people aged 5–18 (up to 25 with additional needs) and their families who have experienced the death of someone important in their life.
Delivered by Lancashire Mind and funded by Blackburn with Darwen Council, The Wave Project offers safe, trauma-informed support to help children, young people and families understand grief, build healthy coping strategies and feel less alone.
When someone important dies, life changes. Whether the loss happened recently or some time ago, support is available.
Support for young people Support for Parents and Carers Support for Schools
You don't have to navigate grief alone.
For children and young people, it can affect emotions, relationships, confidence, behaviour and school life. Parents and carers are often managing their own grief whilst trying to support their child, and schools can play an important role in helping children feel understood.
The Wave Project recognises that bereavement affects the whole family. That’s why we offer support for children and young people, parents and carers, and schools across Blackburn with Darwen.
Support for children and young people.
Our eight-session group programmes are designed for children and young people who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, grandparent, relative, friend or another significant person.
Groups are delivered in age-appropriate settings and provide opportunities to meet other young people who understand what they’re going through. There is never any pressure to speak before a child feels ready. Every young person is supported at their own pace.
Sessions are creative, interactive and trauma-informed, helping young people explore grief in ways that feel safe and comfortable. Groups are available for age ranges 5–8 years, 9–15 years and 16–18 years.
Sessions explore topics including:
- Understanding grief and bereavement
- Recognising and expressing emotions
- Managing difficult thoughts and feelings
- Remembering loved ones
- Building resilience and coping strategies
- Changes in family, friendships and school
- Identifying support networks
- Looking towards the future while carrying memories
Activities may include:
- Arts and crafts
- Memory boxes
- Storytelling
- Games
- Mindfulness
- Reflection activities
- Group discussions
- Peer support
Follow our Facebook for updates on group dates and locations or enquire by email below.
Support for parents and carers.
When a child loses someone important, parents and carers are often trying to support them whilst managing their own grief too. You don’t have to navigate that alone.
The Wave Project includes a parent and carer support programme where you can better understand grief, share experiences with others and access guidance.
The programme can help with:
- Better understanding how grief affects children and young people
- Recognising how grief can present at different ages
- Feeling more confident supporting your child
- Learning practical ways to support your family
- Connecting with other parents and carers
- Building a stronger support network around your child
Follow our Facebook for updates on group dates and locations or enquire by email below.
"By providing early support, we hope to reduce feelings of isolation and help young people feel less alone during an incredibly difficult time. (Hannah Holden, Head of CYP, Lancashire Mind)"
Helping schools support bereaved pupils with confidence.
Schools are often one of the first places where the impact of bereavement becomes visible. We work alongside education professionals to provide practical advice, training and resources that help schools respond with confidence and compassion.
Our support includes:
Service Information Webinars. Learn more about The Wave Project, referral pathways and how we can support pupils experiencing bereavement.
Bereavement Training. One training course each term designed to increase confidence in supporting bereaved children and young people.
Consultation and Advice. Guidance for schools supporting individual pupils or responding to bereavement within their school community.
Bereavement Toolkit. Practical resources to help schools develop supportive approaches to bereavement.
Frequently asked questions
Who can access The Wave Project?
Children and young people aged 5–18 (up to 25 with additional needs) living in Blackburn with Darwen who have experienced the death of someone important in their life.
Is the service free?
Yes. The Wave Project is fully funded by Blackburn with Darwen Council and is free to access to residents of Blackburn with Darwen.
What if the bereavement happened some time ago?
Support isn’t only for recent bereavements. If grief is continuing to affect your child or family, we encourage you to get in touch.
Does my child have to talk?
No. There is never any pressure to share experiences before they feel ready. Children and young people are supported in ways that feel comfortable for them.
Can professionals make referrals?
Yes. Professionals working with children, young people and families can submit a professional referral.
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