The Silence is Over: Bereavement Education for Schools and Young People

The Good Funeral Company, in partnership with the Education Team at Liverpool Diocese, invites schools, charities, youth services, support organisations and community groups to attend and exhibit at a landmark conference exploring how we support children and young people through bereavement.

From September 2026, the UK Government will introduce death, dying and bereavement education into the national curriculum, recognising the importance of preparing young people to understand and navigate grief.

This conference will bring together educators, bereavement specialists, charities and community organisations to explore how schools and support settings can respond to this important change, ensuring children and young people are supported with compassion, understanding and practical resources.

The event will take place in the unique setting of Liverpool Cathedral, offering a space for conversation, learning and collaboration around one of life’s most universal experiences.

Why This Conference Matters

Bereavement is a reality many young people face during their education.

Research shows:

• A parent of children under 18 dies every 20 minutes in the UK
• 127 children are newly bereaved every day
• By age 16, 1 in 20 young people will have experienced the death of a parent

Despite this, many teachers report feeling unprepared to support bereaved pupils.

This conference aims to:

• Support schools preparing for the 2026 curriculum change
• Provide practical tools for discussing death and grief with children
• Connect educators with specialist organisations and charities
• Share lived experiences and best practice from experts in bereavement support
• Create partnerships between education, funeral professionals and support organisations

The day will feature expert speakers sharing knowledge, research and lived experience in supporting bereaved children.

John Adams

Funeral Director, Funeral Industry Advisor to Child Bereavement UK, Past President, National Association of Funeral Directors

John led the national campaign that helped secure the inclusion of bereavement education in the school curriculum. His talk will explore the journey behind the campaign and why grief literacy is vital for young people.

Child Bereavement UK

This session will focus on supporting secondary school pupils and young people up to the age of 25, including practical approaches for schools, youth services and educators supporting grieving teenagers and young adults.

Lisa Davies

Founder, Anthony Davies Bereavement Charity

Lisa will share her personal story following the death of her husband and the impact this had on her young family. Her session will focus on supporting primary-aged children and those under five, helping educators understand how very young children process grief.

Exhibitor & Resource Space

Alongside the conference talks, there will be an exhibition area where organisations can showcase services, resources and support available to schools and families.

We particularly welcome exhibitors offering:

• Bereavement support services
• Educational resources and training
• Counselling and mental health support
• Charitable support for bereaved families
• Faith-based pastoral care
• Resources for teachers and youth workers

This space will provide an opportunity for schools and organisations to connect, collaborate and build partnerships that support young people experiencing grief.

Info: Lunch provided.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Liverpool Diocese Lifelong Learning