Evaluating the impact of bereavement training on knowledge and confidence for staff and carers supporting people with learning disabilities

This evaluation aimed to review the impact of a one-day bereavement training package. The knowledge and confidence of 57 carers who support people with learning disabilities were evaluated. Carers attended one of four training sessions. Pre- and post-training questionnaires were used to assess changes in participants’ understanding of bereavement in individuals with learning disabilities and their confidence in providing support. Results showed significant improvements in both knowledge (25% increase overall) and confidence (46.4% increase). Qualitative feedback indicated that participants found practical tips, role-playing exercises, and hearing lived experiences particularly valuable. The findings emphasise the importance of specialised training in enhancing carers’ ability to effectively support bereaved individuals with learning disabilities. Easy to read summary ■ We looked at how a one-day training course helps carers support people with learning disabilities who have lost someone they love. ■ The training made carers feel more confident and know more about how to help people with learning disabilities when someone dies. ■ Carers found it helpful to practice talking about death and to hear stories about and from people with learning disabilities. ■ This training is important because it helps carers give better support to people with learning disabilities when they are sad about someone who has died.