Principle one - UK Commission on Bereavement

In order to increase understanding and normalise conversations about death, dying and bereavement, governments in each UK nation must commit 6p per person to help develop, resource and evaluate cross-sector, collaborative initiatives - similar to public health campaigns reducing mental health stigma such as Time to Change and See Me.

In England, the Government’s response to a recent parliamentary question showed that the Government does not have plans to fund a public health campaign on bereavement. However, the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration’s final report, published in September 2023, included a commitment to supporting a National Day of Reflection to remember those who died and were bereaved during the pandemic.

public health parliamentary question

All schools and other education settings must be required to provide age-appropriate opportunities for children and young people to learn about coping with death and bereavement as part of life.

A review of the Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum review is expected by the end of this year, presenting a crucial opportunity to introduce grief education in schools across England, and the Childhood Bereavement Network are coordinating a sector wide response to the consultation.