The Leveson Centre for the Study of Ageing,
Spirituality and Social Policy
Lost for Words: Loss and Bereavement
Awareness Training
John Holland, Ruth Dance, Nic MacManus and Carole Stitt,
Jessica Kingsley, 2005, 128 pages, ISBN 1-84310-324-9, £29.95.
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Review by James Woodward
This book is a model of excellent practice both in the theory and
in its application to experience. It had been on my desk waiting for
review when tragically we experienced the death of a young child here
in this community at Temple Balsall. I was fortunate to have had some
significant experience in the area of loss and bereavement but this
particular tragedy posed a number of questions - how do children in
the school cope with death? What practical help might they be given
to cope with this particular loss? How might I engage with my own
responses to this situation?
No book can answer all questions - this training package set out
information in a clear and comprehensive way. Developed from collaborative
multi-agency and multi-professional work with a range of professionals,
the book is designed for use by trainers over the course of a day
or several days. It is well organised into 21 sections providing trainers
with a range of tools for awareness training. While focused upon the
children, their parents and schools, material is of direct relevance
to all of us who wish to think about and reflect upon death and its
meanings and practices in our life.
I think that much of this material could be adapted for use for training
in care homes - it is stimulating, insightful, and wise but above
all, practical. I was grateful for it during this particular crisis.
What better commendation can a reviewer offer?
James Woodward (Centre Director)
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