How ChildLine can help Other sources of information Many more people now live to an older age than at any time in history. This is mainly due to advances in medicine and social conditions that have occurred in recent years. The loss or death of someone they care for is likely to be deeply distressing for a child. Loss can come about as the result of an illness, such as cancer, an accident, such as a car crash, or old age.
Children can also face the loss of a loved animal or pet.
This can be as significant as losing a relative or friend. Bereavement is the word used to describe the loss that people feel when someone close to them dies. Grief is the emotion that people go through as a result of the loss of someone they loved.