A PARENTS’ bereavement group has received a grant to help it continue offering support.
Charity Evelyn’s Gift received the funding from the Wates Foundation, after being nominated by a Wates family member.
The charity offers support to south Warwickshire parents and family members of those who have lost a child regardless of age and how long ago their child died.
Helen Smith from Warwick founded the charity after the loss of her daughter age seven from Bacterial Traceitis – an infection of the windpipe.
She said: “When Evelyn died I was fortunate to have the support of family and friends, helping me to cope with the grief, severe trauma and stress that prevented me from returning to work. However, I realised as time went on that I needed to talk to other people that had experienced, and survived, the death of their child, because this is a different experience from any other loss. There are wonderful organisations such as Compassionate Friends, Edward’s Trust and the Child Death Helpline, but I felt that we needed something local to south Warwickshire.
“This funding from the Wates Foundation is already enabling a small group of parents to find support and I am personally grateful for the kindness and compassion that I found when working with their team.”
The group meets on weekdays at Warwickshire Therapy in Leamington and holds free sessions led by therapists. They include grounding and breathing exercises to relieve stress and trauma along with the chance to talk and share experiences.
The group also arranges walks in south Warwickshire and shares photos and memories on a closed social media group, along with supplying bereavement support resources for primary-aged children.
Email [email protected] or visit website at evelynsgift.co.uk for more information.
