Helping Parents When Their Child Dies at University

UK Helpline: 0345 123 2304 | www.tcf.org.uk If the student has died overseas If the student from your university died while on an overseas placement, investigation into the cause of death ordinarily lies with the country in which the death occurred. The British Consulate or embassy has a duty to help with the administrative requirements, but it is still very important that the university appoints a Parent Contact at the earliest opportunity. If the student’s placement was an element of their university course, the university may be able to claim on its insurance to cover the costs of the body’s repatriation, if it is deemed necessary. For more information, see The Compassionate Friends Death Abroad leaflet : tcf.org.uk/deathabroad In the words of bereaved parents: “We appreciate consideration for our circumstances” Some of us have a partner or close family members who will support us; others are coping alone. Some of us have other surviving children to care for; others do not. Some of us may be struggling financially, including such matters as taking care of our child’s funeral. We may have to navigate the benefits system or manage the expectations of our employer. Some issues might seem mundane but can be mountains for us to climb, such as needing to visit the university or our child’s accommodation to collect their belongings. Other issues could tend to overwhelm us and last for a long time. If our child’s death was unexpected or violent, we may be dealing with media attention and the prospect of an inquest and/or trial involving those responsible. Any and all of these issues will compound the grief that we are dealing with. It may take us some time to get on top of practical matters. Your kind consideration of our circumstances could make a big difference to how we cope. Being able to accommodate us would be an extra step of kindness.