Ben Kane, 18, was moved to set up a support group when he was a pupil in Clydeview Academy after his own personal experience and he was invited to join Inverclyde Bereavement Network earlier this year.
The network is made up of charities and organisations from across the west of Scotland and those involved in it met at the Education Suite at Inverclyde Royal to mark Child Grief Awareness Week, which ran from November 16-23.
The week was also put in the spotlight at the Scottish Parliament.
Ben, who is now studying politics and history at the University of Glasgow, said: “This was the first time child grief awareness week had been highlighted in Holyrood, thanks to Stuart McMillan MSP putting forward a members debate.
“The work of Inverclyde was highlighted and commended as the leader in supporting its community and young people.”
Mr McMillan, Ronnie Cowan MP, councillors Lynne Quinn, James Daisley, Liz Robertson, Martin McCluskey and deputy council leader Natasha Maguire were among those in attendance at the bereavement network meeting as Ben steps up his campaigning.
Other organisations represented included Mind Mosaic Child and Family Therapies, Ardgowan Hospice, Child Bereavement UK Scotland, Julie Sloan, a Clydeview Academy teacher and an educational psychologist.
Ben said: “This meeting was a part of many events going on within Inverclyde to highlight the week and Ardgowan Hospice marked the week on their platforms as well.
“Myself and Stuart have secured a debate on childhood grief in the Scottish Parliament as well.
“We’d like to make the community aware of the efforts being made to support its young people.”
Ben says the meeting discussed ways to improve the help available to young people who have suffered the loss of a loved one.
He said: “The topics of discussion included local services and how accessible they are to young people. It also covered work undertaken with Stuart McMillan through his members debate on child grief awareness, and the next steps as an authority in supporting young people.”
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