{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3 class=\u0022p1\u0022\u003EThe first meeting after losing someone\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s important to reflect on what\u2019s happened and support everyone.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4 class=\u0022p3\u0022\u003ETalking about what\u0027s happened with the group\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p4\u0022\u003EWhen you next meet after losing someone in your Scout Section or Group, young people may have lots of questions.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p5\u0022\u003EWhen returning to Scouts after losing someone, it\u2019s important to reflect on what\u2019s happened and support everyone after the death of a young person or adult volunteer in Scouts.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p5\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s important to address what\u2019s happened, talk about any concerns and acknowledge that things may currently feel upsetting, shocking, worrying distressing or different.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p4\u0022\u003EAfter the loss of someone close to the Section or Group, it\u2019s important, now more than ever, that as Scouts you rally around each other, show your Scout values and support one another.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p4\u0022\u003EIf your next meeting is a Scout camp, district event or outside your normal meetings, you may want to plan a special, extra meeting or allow time at the start of the event to gather your Section or Group together to talk about what\u2019s happened, reflect and support each other.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p6\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s important to talk to the group about what\u2019s happened, while also to providing reassurance that you\u2019re there to support them, and that while things will be different, this sort of thing doesn\u2019t happen very often.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p6\u0022\u003EYou might not be sure about how to speak about what\u2019s happened. Here are some examples to support you, depending on the situation:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4 class=\u0022p3\u0022\u003EIf someone in the group has died\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003EIf someone in your group has died, we\u2019ve put together two resources to help support you and your young people:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul class=\u0022ul1\u0022\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022s1\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/supporting-life-issues-and-young-people/supporting-our-members/bereavement-support/support-for-if-an-adult-volunteer-dies/\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022s2\u0022\u003ESupport for if an adult volunteer dies\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli class=\u0022li8\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022s1\u0022\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/supporting-life-issues-and-young-people/supporting-our-members/bereavement-support/support-for-if-a-young-person-dies/\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022s2\u0022\u003ESupport for if a young person dies\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch4 class=\u0022p3\u0022\u003EInforming parents and carers\u0026nbsp;before the first meeting back after experiencing a loss\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003EIt\u2019s important to communicate clearly with parents/carers before the first meeting back to let them know what you\u2019ll be covering, such as answering questions, remembering the person you lost, mental wellbeing, and possibly talking about grief and bereavement.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003EYou should make sure you let parents and carers know in advance so that they can feed back any questions and concerns before the meeting. They may want to talk to or prepare their young person.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4 class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003EAn example of how to communicate your plans to parents/carers\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003E\u0027This week we\u2019ll be returning to Scouts at the normal time of (BLANK). As you may know, we\u2019re deeply saddened by the loss of a (BLANK) from our group. We know that the loss of (BLANK) has been a difficult, upsetting time for everyone and that (BLANK) will be missed deeply by us all, both as a Scout and as a friend. That\u2019s why at the first meeting back, we\u2019re going to be celebrating the life of (BLANK), reflecting on the fantastic contribution they brought to our Scout group and answering questions.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003EWe\u2019ll have a quiet area for people to use if they need to step away from the session and everyone is welcome to bring any items of comfort, such as a teddy. We know this is a difficult time for us all and some of us may need extra support or time, so we\u2019ll have information on \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/supporting-young-people/bereavement-support/\u0022 title=\u0022Bereavement support\u0022\u003Efurther bereavement support\u003C/a\u003E if you need it available tonight, as well on the Scouts website.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003EIf your young person has had another personal bereavement during this time, we know this might be an extra hard time for them. If you\u2019re comfortable in doing so, please let us know so we can work with you and your young person to make sure you\u2019re fully supported, and the group knows how best to help.\u0027\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3 class=\u0022p3\u0022\u003EBeing informed of personal bereavements\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003EAlways make sure to have an approachable, open and comfortable environment, so people feel comfortable and assured in coming forward to let you know of their bereavement.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003EYou may want to include in the volunteer and young person starter packs a note, such as \u0027Please let us know if you or your young person are unfortunately experiencing a personal bereavement, so we can work with you and your young person to make sure you\u2019re fully supported during a difficult time and the group knows how best to help.\u0027\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003EIf a family member, relative or close friend is informing you of a loss of their own child who\u2019s a young member in your group or an adult who volunteers in your group, remember to offer condolences and support to them. You may want to send a card or flowers or small gift on behalf of your Scout Section or Group to show that they\u2019re in your thoughts.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003EYou may want to ask when and how they\u2019d like you to tell their friends in Scouts, such as other young people and volunteers, but remember to be patient, kind and concise. Remember, they may also wish for this information not to be shared and their wishes should always be respected.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003EOver the coming weeks, you may want to think of ideas of if there\u2019s anything you can do in the person\u2019s memory, then share them with their loved ones at the right time to check that the ideas are OK to do.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003EIf it\u2019s the loss of an adult volunteer, make sure to offer \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/supporting-young-people/bereavement-support/support-if-an-adult-volunteer-dies/\u0022 title=\u0022Support for if an adult volunteer dies\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan class=\u0022s3\u0022\u003Esupport and advice\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E to other volunteers within the Section, Group, District, County, Region or local area, as they may be upset or affected by the loss.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3 class=\u0022p3\u0022\u003EIf someone in the group has had a personal bereavement outside of Scouts\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003EBereavement is a highly personal and individual experience. There isn\u2019t a \u0027one size fits all\u0027 approach to supporting someone who has been bereaved, so communicating with the person or parents and carers directly is exceptionally important.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003EIf someone has had a personal, private bereavement outside of Scouts, you should avoid talking about it unless the person wants to. You shouldn\u2019t ask questions, but remain approachable, understanding and ready to listen if the person needs you.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003EDuring the first session back, the person may need to take breaks or have a safe, comfortable space to go to if they\u2019re feeling upset. They may not know what might cause them to be upset or remind them of the person they lost and the feeling of loss or upset may be sudden and unexpected.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003EDepending on the loss, you may want to adapt your activities or plan for the first session back or for the term. For example, if someone has lost a father or father figure, you may want to change any plans you had to mark Father\u2019s Day.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003EA person experiencing a bereavement may need some flexibility from Scouts, including in what they\u2019re able to take on and do, as well as in how often they attend or how quick they are in their reply to emails and messages. Always be patient and understanding, offering unconditional support.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003EIf it\u2019s an adult volunteer who\u2019s lost someone, you may need to support them in their role, take on some of their responsibilities, or find parents and carers to step in to help at meetings for a few weeks.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3 class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003EHow to help someone who is going through a personal bereavement\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003EAlways let them know that you\u2019re there to listen if they want to talk to you about it. You won\u2019t be able to solve their grief, but it\u2019s important to be there and be ready to listen. You may wish to send a card to show your support.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003EBe accepting and understanding that someone might not be ready or might not want to talk about their loss or open up about their loved one. If someone doesn\u2019t want to talk about their loss, never force them to, as you could make it worse or trigger panic attacks, anxiety and trauma.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003EYou could share any memories, such as photos, you have of the person if you knew them, especially if they were involved with Scouts. You could help to find a way to help mark, reflect on and celebrate the person\u2019s life.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3 class=\u0022p3\u0022\u003EHow to mark a personal bereavement with the group\u0026nbsp;\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003ESomeone who has faced a personal bereavement may not want the group to mark this or even talk about what has happened. For them, Scouts may be the only time their life has a sense of \u2018normality\u2019.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003EHowever, other people may want to talk about or reflect on what has happened with the group and discuss it with their friends. They may want to celebrate the person\u2019s life and share happy memories of them.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp; \u003C/span\u003EIt\u2019s essential to work with the person who has been bereaved to find out their preferences.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003ETalk to and work with the person who\u2019s been bereaved, along with the people they live with or are being supported by, before the first meeting back to decide if they want to talk about what\u2019s happened or mark what\u2019s happened with the group.\u003Cspan class=\u0022Apple-converted-space\u0022\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003EIf they\u2019d like to mark what\u2019s happened, you should all work together to decide on the most appropriate activity or way to do this.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\u0022p7\u0022\u003EIf someone has faced a personal bereavement, make sure they know who they can speak to if they\u2019re struggling and share the \u003Ca href=\u0022/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/supporting-young-people/bereavement-support/\u0022 title=\u0022Bereavement support\u0022\u003EBereavement support\u003C/a\u003E with them and the people they live with or are being supported by.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":"Guidance for the first night back at Scouts after the Coronavirus crisis.","pageType":null,"location":null,"browserTitle":"","versionDate":"15 July 2023","reviewDate":"16/04/2020","redirectUrl":"","id":47549,"nodeName":"First night back","title":"First night back","type":"contentPage","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"First night back after a bereavement","headerSubTitle":"","headerCta":"","headerCtaText":"","headerCtaLink":"","headerBackgroundColour":"ffe627","showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":[]},"subHeader":"Guidance for the first night back at Scouts after the Coronavirus crisis.","silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC80NzU0OSJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/supporting-young-people/bereavement-support/first-night-back/"}