THE Midcounties Co-operative Funeralcare has been working on a new series of DVDs and books which are aimed at helping those children who are struggling to cope with the death of a loved one.

The group is working with charity CHUMS, who support youngsters aged between seven and 16 years, with bereavement.

Belinda McCormick, the manager of the Swindon branch, in Temple Street, said: “Bereavement isn’t easy for anyone, but we know that it can be particularly tough to deal with when you’re just a child.

"As a parent or a carer it can also be very hard to know what to say to your children in these situations, or how best to behave around them.

“Although teenagers are likely to use social media or the internet to source information that may help with their bereavement, we felt that we needed something physical that we can provide to younger children.

“Through our series of DVDs and books we hope that we can support children in the local community through their difficult times and give them an understanding of what has happened.”

The DVDs, called Our Year Since, are aimed at children from Key Stage Two and above.

They also offers guardians and care professionals structured support through an additional booklet, downloadable lesson plan, PowerPoint presentation against other utilities.

Dawn Hewitt, CHUMS’ chief executive officer, said: “We know that grief can feel overwhelming, confusing, painful and lonely. At CHUMS we offer a variety of interventions, in order to support children and young people in their grief when someone close to them has died.

“Through the medium of animation, the DVDs can help children and young people relate to their own experience and help them recognise that they are not on their own.”