Working with Child Loss

Course Overview

When a child dies, the world changes — not only for the families, but for every professional who stands alongside them. Few feel fully prepared for it.

This 3-day CPD course is essential for people who encounter child bereavement in their work: student counsellors, healthcare professionals, social workers, pastoral staff, volunteers - anyone in a helping role. NB: if you are a qualified counsellor, you will gain more from our specialist course aimed specifically at practicing therapists, which will be launching soon.

Child loss leads to a particular kind of grief — it is a unique, life-altering experience. This course helps you understand its complexities and ensures that you can offer meaningful, sensitive, and informed support when it matters most.

Held at The Alder Centre, a nationally recognised centre of excellence in therapeutic care and education after child death, our courses offer in-depth knowledge, practical strategies, and real-world insights, delivered by highly experienced practitioners.

Participants will:

· Consider major theories of grief, specifically in the context of child loss.

· Recognise how the death of a child is different, and why it requires different support.

· Distinguish between ‘normal’ grief reactions and signs of complex or prolonged grief.

· Learn from bereaved parents themselves, with contributions from Alder Centre volunteers.

· Reflect deeply on personal attitudes toward loss — a crucial step in offering authentic support.

· Discover the importance of self-care to sustain long-term work with bereaved families.

Course Design

The course blends tutor-led input with participant discussion, group work, and reflective practice to create a rich, supportive learning environment.

Course Details

· Thursdays 15th, 22nd and 29th October 2026, 9.30 – 16.30

· Venue: The Alder Centre, Alder Hey Hospital Campus

· Lunch and drinks provided

· Course Fee: £360