Childhood bereavement programme

" I have felt very valued on the course. That has helped me to grow in confidence and feel more comfortable about training exercises and situations where I have to lead others. The variety of lectures and mix of speakers has created a sense of being a professional in the field alongside others." 

These programmes have been validated by Middlesex University and were the first university validated courses in the UK in Childhood bereavement. They are increasingly recognised as useful and relevant qualifications for positions in the field of childhood bereavement. 

Who should apply?

The course is open to people with experience in working with bereaved children and their families in education, health or social care.

While these programmes offer a unique opportunity to link theory to practice; they do not offer a counselling qualification.

What does the course cover?

Working with bereaved children, young people and families

Module one covers: 

• theories of bereavement
• child development; loss through the life-cycle; the family context
• the death of a child – the family perspective
• pre-bereavement issues
• children bereaved by traumatic death
• assessment issues
• working with individuals, with families and in groups
• brief versus extended interventions, telephone work. 

Context and framework  

Module two covers:

• supervision and support
• service development: assessing need and setting up a service
• setting standards for service delivery: record keeping; monitoring and maintaining quality; working with volunteers
• inter-agency working; referral to other services; working with minority groups
• legal issues and report writing
• a parent's perspective
• training issues for service providers: resources; methods; reflective practice.

Teaching

The course is taught as two module on a part time basis over nine months. Student will be required to attend:

• one weekend session at the beginning of the course at St Christopher's Hospice

• a Thursday and Friday session at St Christopher's at the end of the course

• six Friday sessions at Help the Hospices.

Assessment

Students will be assessed in a variety of ways, including:

• one 2000-word assignment

• two learning journals

• group presentations

• an extended essay (for postgraduate certificate).

Staff

How to apply

We are now recruiting for the 2012/13 course which will start on 20 September.

To get more information and to receive an application form please contact the course administrative officer.