Helping Parents When Their Child Dies at University

UK Helpline: 0345 123 2304 | www.tcf.org.uk This Parent Contact might want to think about: • Establishing if a parent has any specific requirements, such as a sympathetically managed visit and return of personal effects and/or pieces of coursework. • Clarifying funeral arrangements. • Being aware of and respecting cultural, religious or social practices. • Discussing and agreeing precisely what the university plans for its social media feed and any response or respectful statement to press enquiries. • Relaying practical information, such as returning tuition and accommodation fees, and/or the issuing of a posthumous award. • Putting parents in contact with the chaplaincy if appropriate. • Asking if parents would like the university to hold a memorial event, and if so to explore their preferences around attendance, theme and beliefs. Alternatively, the family may appreciate being invited to a graduation ceremony in the current year or later on to collect an award on their child’s behalf. • Noting the names of any students known to be close friends of the deceased who are happy for contact with the parents. These students may also have suggestions of others in the university community who may wish to make themselves known to the parents. • Signposting parents to deal directly with the Student Loans Company to arrange the cancellation of their child’s loan. See: Student loan cancellation - if a customer dies - GOV.UK (gov.uk) . • Informing parents about The Compassionate Friends. A phone call to the TCF Helpline (0345 1 23 23 04) or a visit to our website at tcf.org.uk puts them in touch with all our services, provided at no cost.