Advice on talking with kids about grief, death

Award-winning social worker Shelly Skinner is coming to the South West next week for a death education session.

Ms Skinner will be the guest speaker at the session, which she says will give tips and advice on how to have conversations surrounding grief and death with children.

“These types of conversations don’t have to be serious, sit down discussions with children,” she said.

“I believe talking about illness and death can be incorporated into our regular conversations and I look forward to increasing the confidence for all adults to start these natural discussions.

“Children have to go through grief just like we do... we want children to feel skilled and supported so they can face this and all of life’s challenges head on.”

The session is targeted at parents, carers, educators and medical personnel and is run by William Barrett and Sons funeral home.

Ms Skinner established the Lionheart Camp for Kids in Perth, a program for grieving kids aged between five and 17.

The event will be held in William Barrett and Sons’ Spencer Street Chapel on May 4 between 5.30 and 7.30pm.