Blackburn families gain new grief support for young people

UK News Desk 2026-10-16 12:06 2 min read

A silhouette of a family standing in a field at sunset together.

Children and young people in Blackburn with Darwen who have been bereaved can access free support through The Wave Project, a new service delivered by Lancashire Mind and funded by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. It is for ages 5 to 18, or up to 25 for young people with additional needs, and also offers support for parents, carers and schools.

The service was launched at a Family Day at Ewood Park, attended by around 100 local residents. Families can use its peer support programmes, while schools can access advice, training and resources to help staff support bereaved pupils.

Who can use The Wave Project

The free service is for children and young people aged 5 to 18 across Blackburn with Darwen. Young people with additional needs can access support up to age 25. Parents and carers can also take part in a dedicated programme, and schools can seek guidance and resources for supporting pupils after a bereavement.

The project is designed to offer early, community-based help after a loss. The council says the aim is to help people process grief and reduce the risk of distress becoming more difficult to manage.

Blackburn families gain new grief support for young people

Support for young people, families and schools

Children and young people can join eight-session peer support programmes. The sessions offer a space to talk about bereavement and connect with others who have had a similar experience. Parents and carers have a separate programme, while school staff can access training, advice and resources.

The council expects the service to support around 120 children, young people, parents and carers each year. Its annual plan includes up to 70 therapeutic group sessions for young people and 30 sessions for parents and carers.

Young people with lived experience helped choose the project’s name and branding. Lancashire Mind says the service aims to provide safe, understanding spaces where young people can discuss their experiences and build confidence as they navigate grief.

How families and schools can get help

Families can read more about The Wave Project, access support or make a referral through the service. Schools can contact the project for training, advice and resources to support bereaved pupils. The source announcement does not give contact details or explain referral criteria, so families and schools should check the service information for current access arrangements.

The service has been commissioned for an initial two years, with an option to extend for a further two years. Councillor Julie Gunn, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s executive member for children, young people and education, said the support is intended to help young people develop tools to cope with loss and continue to thrive.

Source: Blackburn with Darwen Council News

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This article uses the supplied Blackburn with Darwen Council News announcement and keeps service details attributed to the organisations named there.

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Checked the stated age ranges and eligibility.
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Noted that the announcement does not provide contact details or referral criteria.

Blackburn with Darwen Council News Check local service information