The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust organised a staff session during Dying Matters Week to address support for children and young people with loved ones in palliative care.

District Nurses and Social Workers attended the group meeting. Education Facilitator and Clinical Nurse Specialist in Palliative Care Clare Parker led the discussion on available services and signposting options for staff managing patients on palliative journeys.

Dying Matters Week seeks to increase public awareness of open discussions on dying, death, and bereavement. This year's theme centres on talking about death and dying.

Parker described the session as a pilot meeting for teams to learn about support resources. Bereavement Coordinator Donna Louise Laird stated that the initiative underscores compassionate conversations for adults aiding grieving children and young people.

Laird highlighted the role of appropriate language, routine, stability, space, and timing in supporting children through loss. She noted the session enabled staff to exchange knowledge, skills, and experience.