A book to support children when they lose a loved one has been written by a member of staff at Derby’s longest established family-owned funeral directors.
Fay Bloor, Bereavement Support Coordinator and trained counsellor at Wathall’s, has published ‘Missing Someone Special’ which gently explains to youngsters what it means when someone dies.
The beautiful book, illustrated by Michael Ashley, talks about what it means when people die, what grief is, and gives information about what happens at both a burial and a cremation. It also highlights the importance of sharing emotions following the death of a loved one and is a resource often used by families.
Fay said: “As part of Children’s Mental Health Week in February, it is always a good time to showcase what resources are available to children and their families and my book, Missing Someone Special, is one.
“It is an activity book that allows children to express their feelings through words and pictures and at the same time, support parents who are helping to navigate their children through a difficult grief journey.”
Children’s Mental Health Week runs from Monday, February 9, and is an annual mental health awareness week launched by children’s mental health charity, Place2Be. The theme this month is ‘This is My Place’ and sets out to empower, equip and give a voice to all children and young people in the UK.
Fay said: “From my experience, sometimes bereaved children feel like they don’t belong because they are going through something none of their friends have been through.
“I decided to write Missing Someone Special to specifically help children who find themselves coping with grief and the difficult feelings that they are experiencing.”
In the book there is space for youngsters to write down their happy memories of the loved one they have lost, attach a photograph or draw their picture, and write a letter telling their loved one about things that have happened in the days since they last saw them.
As well as this book, Fay has also written ‘Missing You’, a support book for adults who are navigating their way through bereavement and grief.
Fay said: “It was lockdown 2020, when I started writing the first book. It had been an idea in my head for a while but time at home gave me the space to put pen to paper.
“I really enjoyed the process and it was brilliant to work with Michael, who did such a wonderful job of illustrating it.”
Both books have been published as part of Wathall’s award-winning Dandelions Bereavement Support service. Fay runs four free meetings a month and offers one-to-one counselling sessions in Derby.
Fay added: “These books have become an extremely useful resource for people and we have sold several hundred at Wathall’s.
“I feel really proud that I have been able to support people through my books.”
Fay is currently working on a third book and this time she will focus on writing about those who are facing the end of their life. It will offer comfort, practical advice and guidance on making the most of the remaining time.
To buy a book, visit https://dandelionssupport.etsy.com
