Winston’s Wish has launched its national Ask Me: Education campaign – a young person–led initiative calling for a more compassionate and individualised approach to supporting bereaved pupils in schools. Developed in direct collaboration with bereaved young people, the campaign encourages educators to move away from one-size-fits-all responses and instead ask each student what they need, listen closely and respond with empathy.
Olive Academies’ role as an early implementer
Olive Academies is proud to have contributed to the development of the campaign as one of its early implementors. We have worked closely with Winston’s Wish to trial early versions of the Ask Me: Education training and resources across our academies. This collaboration has enabled us to provide valuable insight from an alternative provision context, ensuring the campaign reflects the experiences and needs of some of the most vulnerable learners.
Our long-standing partnership with Winston’s Wish began three years ago and is rooted in a shared mission: to improve the support available to young people who have experienced trauma, bereavement and adversity. Through this relationship, our staff have accessed specialist training, and our pupils have helped shape approaches that better meet the needs of bereaved children.
“We’re delighted to be working with our partners at Olive Academies once again to be an early implementor of our new Ask Me: Education campaign. We are excited to see the positive impact this initiative will have on education settings and bereaved students throughout the UK and are grateful to be working with Olive as they are some of the first to join us and help to transform grief support in education.”
Letizia Perna, Deputy CEO and Director of Services, Winston’s Wish
Why the campaign matters to Olive Academies
Children in alternative provision often face a significantly higher number of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) than their peers in mainstream settings. For many, the behaviours that result in placement in alternative provision are manifestations of unmet needs, emotional distress or past trauma. These behaviours are themselves a form of communication.
When a young person experiences bereavement, the likelihood of them exhibiting challenging behaviours can increase considerably. This makes it even more vital that schools create safe, supportive environments in which communication is encouraged, understood and facilitated. By prioritising space, time and trusted relationships, staff can provide timely support, prevent escalation and safeguard wellbeing.
“We want to see a more empathetic, trauma-informed approach to how schools understand and respond to behaviour. Greater awareness of the impact of bereavement, particularly when layered onto other disadvantages, will help ensure that young people are met with understanding rather than judgement. Ultimately, this will improve outcomes for bereaved pupils across the UK.”
Ryan Kelsall, Interim Director of Standards and Executive Headteacher, Olive Academies
Looking ahead
As the campaign rolls out nationally, Olive Academies remains committed to championing trauma-informed practice and ensuring bereaved young people receive the understanding and support they need to thrive. We are delighted to see the Ask Me: Education campaign reach schools across the UK and encourage educators and leaders to explore the resources.
Learn more at https://winstonswish.org/askme/