National childhood bereavement charity expects to support more grieving young people than ever this Christmas

ExCo

Winston’s Wish is the UK’s first national children and young people’s bereavement charity and is expecting that this Christmas could see more grieving young people in need of specialist grief support than ever before.

Last year, the charity supported more than 6,000 children and young people over the festive period. This year, Winston’s Wish expects that number to increase significantly.

As countless families finalise Christmas plans and set the table for their loved ones, so many young people will be facing an empty seat at the table or planning to remember their special person such as by visiting the grave or sharing stories somebody who has died. For still others, this will be the last Christmas they can experience with a loved one with a terminal diagnosis.

Winston’s Wish offers practical advice and emotional support to help young people to navigate grieving and facing special days and holidays.

“For many people, Christmas is about togetherness and time spent with friends and family,” says Winston’s Wish bereavement support specialist Amanda. “But for a grieving child, it can be one of the most painful times of the year. The empty chair at the dinner table or the missing voice during family traditions can make feelings of grief even harder to cope with.

“The festive season can also bring powerful emotions from sadness and anger to guilt or jealousy to the surface and these are often intensified by the poignancy of Christmas. TV adverts, music in the shops, and family scenes can all contribute to feelings of grief.

“We want young people to know they are not alone, and that help and specialist support is available.”

Winston’s Wish believes that no child should face grief alone and is using real voices as part of its Christmas campaign to highlight the real impact childhood bereavement can have on young people.

The charity’s campaign, Give the Gift of Hope, shares the message that young people can feel hope again in time after a bereavement with the right support.

Winston's Wish encourages young people and the adults around them to talk openly about their feelings and to find meaningful ways to remember their special person, such as lighting a candle, writing a letter, cooking their loved one’s favourite meal or creating new traditions together.

Winston’s Wish supports children and young people up to the age of 25 who are grieving the death of a parent, sibling, friend or other significant person. The charity’s mission is to ensure that every child and young person has access to the support they need, whenever they need it.

For additional advice on how to cope with grief during the festivities, please visit the Christmas support page on the Winston’s Wish website. To view the charity’s Christmas campaign please visit the Winston’s Wish website.