I could let out what I wanted to say and get practical advice on how to cope with everything I was feeling.β
Grief Encounter was thrilled to be a selected as a ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Lifeline Appeal beneficiary charity for an appeal that aired in March 2022. Grief Encounter’s vision is that every bereaved child and young person in the UK can access the support needed to alleviate the pain caused by the death of a loved one.
Bereaved children and young people find their lives changed forever; their grief and sadness is often compounded by isolation, fear and anxiety. Additionally, bereaved children and young people are more likely to develop serious mental health problems including depression, addiction, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Grief is devastating if not dealt with and can have a long-term impact.
Grief Encounter provides a range of face-to-face and online support for bereaved children and young people across the UK, including a national helpline called grieftalk; 1:1 counselling; support groups; fun days; bereavement resources; and an annual residential.
Thanks to the ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Lifeline Appeal, fronted by Roman Kemp, we raised an amazing £18,487 (plus gift aid) to support grieftalk, ensuring that bereaved children and young people have a free, safe, and confidential helpline to contact when they need bereavement support.
Grieftalk has been a lifeline for bereaved children and young people since it was launched in March 2019 and provides support in 3 ways: calls, webchats, and emails. The helpline is run by a mix of paid staff and volunteers, all trained in bereavement. Grieftalk reduces the negative outcomes associated with an unsupported bereavement by increasing bereaved children and young people’s access to professional support, reducing feelings of isolation, and providing a greater ability to cope.
One of the young people supported by our helpline is Lucy, whose dad died when she was 16::
“…I couldn’t add my grief to my mum’s and brother’s. I needed someone else to turn to, outside of the family; A professional who was ready to listen and offer advice when I was ready to talk. I wasn’t sure I could just pick up the phone, so being able to go online and instant chat made it easier for me. I could let out what I wanted to say and get practical advice on how to cope with everything I was feeling.”
By supporting Grief Encounter’s appeal, viewers have had a direct impact on the lives of bereaved children and young people. A huge thank you to everyone who watched the appeal and donated.
Please go to our to find out more about Grief Encounter and our services.