When Somebody Dies
Sheila Hollins, Sandra Dowling and Noelle Blackman,illustrated by Catherine Brighton
Everyone feels sad when someone dies. People with learning
disabilities have the same feelings of grief as anyone else, but
they are seldom offered the help and support that other people are
given.
This book tells the story of Mary who is very upset when
someone she loves dies. She is encouraged by a friend to go to
regular bereavement counselling sessions, which help her to feel
less sad. Later on in the book, John also loses someone he is close
to. He is given comfort and companionship by his friends, and is
shown learning to cope with life better and better as time
passes.
This book shows people with learning disabilities that they
need not be alone when they feel sad about someone’s death, and
that talking about it to a friend or to a counsellor can help them
get through this difficult time.
"When Somebody Dies accurately and sensitively
portrays the grieving process and enables people with special needs
to explore their emotions. ..it makes a timely and valuable
contribution to the field of bereavement work ...the authors are to
be congratulated."
British Journal of Special
Education
"This book is good for people who can't read. The pictures show
the emotion of how we go through. The pictures are good and
colourful which helps too. ...If only I had this book when I lost
my Mum and Dad it would have made a big difference to me. Things
could have been a lot better and helpful to me."
VIA news
"The simplistic illustrations allow for discussion of a gamut of
emotions, but do not frighten or unduly distress. ...For carers,
the text, guidelines and valuable advice take away the mystique and
fear surrounding the subject."
Bereavement Care