A Staffordshire-based community group supporting bereaved families is set to continue its support for young people who have lost a loved one thanks to funding from Housing Plus Group.
A Child of Mine was founded by Gayle Routledge who lost her son to cancer in 2010. The charity now works in partnership with healthcare professionals to provide both emotional and practical support to bereaved parents and families.
The charity’s project, ‘Our Space’ aims to help children and young people come to terms with the loss of a sibling, parent or other close family member and is the latest initiative to benefit from our grant scheme.
Support from our My Community Fund will help the charity pay for arts and crafts materials used during Our Space meetings, which are held monthly at St Michael’s Church Hall in Penkridge.
Funding will also go towards the cost of day trips and other activities planned to help young people aged between 11 and 18 to build their confidence, make new friends and come to terms with their loss.
Samantha Allcott, Director of housing at Housing Plus Group, commented: “Losing a loved one is one of the most traumatic experiences a child can endure, and this project is making a tremendous difference in helping young people through such difficult times.
“We are delighted to be able to help A Child of Mine to continue their vital work which fits well with our ambitions to build stronger communities.”
Any young person who has suffered from bereavement is welcome to attend the Our Space meetings with their parental guardian or carer, and current attendees come from towns and villages around the county, including Stafford, Cannock, Telford, Wolverhampton and Stone.
Each month features a different activity or event such as magic workshops, clay modelling, equine therapy, den making and movie nights. Due to the relaxed, supportive and friendly environment and the variety of activities, many of the members have been attending for years and firm friendships have been made which they can take into adulthood.
Kirsty Spittles, Development and engagement officer at A Child of Mine, commented: “Without the support of organisations such as Housing Plus Group we simply wouldn’t be able to continue delivering such a diverse range of activities and providing help for young people when they need it most.
“The charity, our volunteers and the young people we support are extremely grateful for this grant that will go a long way towards meeting our running costs and for special seasonal events, such as those we organise at Easter and Christmas.”
The My Community Fund, delivered in partnership with Jewson and Efficiency East Midlands Limited (EEM), supports grass-roots organisations in Staffordshire and Shropshire. Local charities and voluntary groups can apply for grants online at: https://www.housingplusgroup.co.uk/contact/my-community-fund/