BBC Children in Need Continues Support For Our Young People’s Service
We are delighted that BBC Children In Need have agreed to fund our Young People’s Service for a further three years! This means that we can plan for the future with confidence and continue to offer support to children and young people from across the city before and after the tragic loss of a loved one.
This news comes as Children in Need host their annual fundraising day on Friday 16th November. We are especially proud that they will be featuring a follow up of Abbie’s story early-on during the evening show. Abbie was supported by our Young People’s Service before and after the deaths of both her parents and first featured on Children in Need in 2015.
Watch Abbie’s story, filmed in 2015, as told by Dame Helen Mirren:
Over the coming three years of our grant we anticipate that we will support 400 more children, like Abbie. Referrals come from across Leeds and are not just hospice-related. We provide support in a variety of ways, encompassing one-to-one sessions, creative and therapeutic activities, family support and group events. Over the past year we have arranged trips to the pantomime, Laser Zone and a residential weekend at Lineham Farm. The Young People’s Service also provides in-memory events such as ‘A Day to Remember,’ and a Swansong music event when a group produced poetry and CDs in remembrance of their loved ones.
Nic Colgan, Young People’s Bereavement Worker at St Gemma’s, says
“I feel privileged to work alongside families at one of the most difficult times in their lives and especially being able to offer a service that provides varied support for the different stages of loss and grief. The group activities are always special to see young people making connections with peers who have had similar experiences as each other.”
Our team are currently planning the annual Christmas party with entertainment, refreshments and, of course, presents.
Thank you to Children in Need for making this possible and to our wonderful team for making a difference to so many young lives.