FOR MANY people talking about death is seen as “the elephant in the room” but a Dorset charity supporting bereaved children wants to get the conversation going.

Mosaic supported Dying Matters Awareness Week earlier this month and is aiming to address the issues many people have with talking about death.

The charity’s CEO Margaret Hannibal said: “As a society, we don’t like talking about death….we’re often concerned about upsetting others and perhaps ourselves. Talking about death is often the elephant in the room.”

She said adults can often struggle to talk to children about death, instead preferring euphemisms such as ‘grandpa’s gone to sleep’ or that a loved one is ‘lost’.

This can cause confusion for young children who may then become anxious about sleeping themselves or may be concerned that adults are not looking for their relative.

Mosaic provides support to children and young people and their families struggling with grief, with estimates suggesting 2,500 children are bereaved in Dorset by the death of a close relative each year. Last year the charity supporter 131 bereaved children across the county.

Mosaic says it is important to respect children and young people when talking about death, use age related language giving small pieces of information and let them know they can ask questions.

A spokesman for the charity said: “Family life after a major death can be stressful and emotional.

“Schools play an important role in providing support during this difficult and emotional time for children.

“This is reinforced by one child using the Mosaic service and offering advice to other bereaved children.”

Mosaic provides training aimed at teachers and other child support workers to increase their skills and confidence dealing with children both pre and post bereavement.

Mosaic’s mascot is an elephant – a visual reminder of the importance of talking about the “elephant in the room” for us all.

For more information visit mosaicfamilysupport.org.uk