Nominated Charity

Winston’s Wish provides support for bereaved children and young people up to the age of 18. They work closely with children and families, in a variety of practical and creative ways, to create an atmosphere where they can share their thoughts and feelings and meet other families who have shared their experiences.

The charity exists to create more positive futures for bereaved children, helping them to live with their grief, build confidence, develop self-esteem and reach their full potential.

Their services are designed to help bereaved children and families by providing increased opportunities for:

• Support - from people who understand how children grieve
• Information and education – about death and what it means to them
• Understanding and expressing grief – recognising individual ways of grieving
• Remembering – being helped to find ways to remember the person who has died
• Communication – encouraging family members to talk openly with each other
• Meeting others – opportunities to meet other families with similar experiences

Their child-focused approach supports the whole family. Their range of services includes:

• A National Helpline for anyone caring for a child coping with the serious illness or death of a family member (08452 03 04 05)
• Group work with bereaved children and their families
• Individual work with bereaved children and their families
• A range of publications, resources and educational films
• A support programme for schools
• Tailor-made training and consultancy for professionals.