National Children’s Grief Awareness Week

That the Parliament recognises that the theme for National Children’s Grief Awareness Week 2026 is #KeepingConnected, focusing on helping bereaved children and young people feel connected to their friends, family, grief traditions and memories; further recognises the work of Richmond’s Hope in supporting bereaved children during the week, which is taking place from 16 to 22 November 2026; understands that, according to a 2020 study by the Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice and the University of Strathclyde, published before the full impact of COVID-19 was known, more than half of children in Scotland had experienced the bereavement of a close family member by the age of eight; further understands that, according to the Childhood Bereavement Network, 62% of children in Scotland have lost a close family member by the age of 10; acknowledges that bereavement can leave children and young people feeling isolated and lonely, particularly in the early period after a loss, and that grief does not define a child but can become part of their identity and, over time, help build resilience; recognises the vital work of organisations that support bereaved children and families across Scotland; welcomes efforts to raise awareness, improve access to support in schools and communities and ensure that every bereaved child and young person has someone they can turn to beyond their immediate family and friends, and calls for every school in Scotland to have an effective bereavement policy.