One child in 29 will experience the death of a parent or sibling, a shocking statistic that equates to one child in every classroom in every school at any given time. Bereavement in childhood is recognised as an Adverse Childhood Experience with a potential lifelong impact.
Jeremiah’s Journey is a bereavement charity providing age-appropriate therapeutic interventions for children and young people in Plymouth and surrounding areas in East Cornwall and Devon. It provides emotional and practical support for children, young people and their families who are pre-bereavement (expecting a death), and those who have been bereaved. They are currently supporting over 700 children and young people each year, with the wider family benefit extending to 2,000 people annually.
It is important for young people to understand that they aren’t alone and that their feelings are normal.
Since the charity started in 1996, its work has been proven to improve health and well-being, school attendance, sleep and social connection to over 7,000 children.
One of the charity’s key support groups is its Grief Journey Group. Bereavement Services Manager James Walbank explained: “Experienced volunteers are trained and work alongside children, young people and parents/carers, giving a high level of attention as they respond to activities and stories. Because we plan carefully, according to age, different age groups respond well to the content of the sessions. As they attend successive sessions, their confidence and abilities grow. By the end of group, they are often at a stage where they have skills and language that can be used in the future.”
It costs around £250,000 each year to keep Jeremiah’s Journey running, providing such essential local support. However, the charity has never received any statutory or commissioned funding and relies on grant applications, fundraising and donations to continue its work. The recent partnership with Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival was a great way of raising the charity’s profile and hopefully building long term supporter partnerships. If you would like to find out more about Jeremiah’s Journey please visit www.jeremiahsjourney.org.uk
John Naismith
Supporter Engagement Manager
Mobile: 07707 486093 Office: 01752 424348
HQ Business Centre, Unit 10, 237 Union Street, Stonehouse, Plymouth, PL1 3HQ
