The Big Give Christmas Challenge 2023
We teamed up with the Big Give for this year’s Christmas Challenge 2023. All funds that were raised via our Big Give Page will go towards developing a schools programme to provide training and guidance for teachers and relevant school staff. The goal of the programme is to strengthen the school support networks across the UK by equipping educators with the skills and confidence they need to support pupils facing the death of a parent.
Thank you for your donations
Conversations about death and dying can often be shied away from. We want these conversations to instead be seen as an opportunity for pupils to feel further supported by the school community. Encouraging them to focus their precious time on creating positive and lasting memories with their parent or carer.
Up to 41,000 children face the death of a parent each year in the UK. Many of these families who are given the devastating news of an incurable diagnosis are unable to access much needed pre-bereavement support through their school network. Our schools programme will be designed to actively encourage open and honest conversations around parental death and dying.
”“For a parent who is facing an incurable cancer diagnosis, the emotional wellbeing of their child is a huge concern. The grieving will often start before a parent’s passing, and this anticipatory grief can be a complex emotional process for a child. Supporting children in schools, as well as at home, can make a real difference to their emotional and academic well-being".
Ines ThiruRSF Chief Executive Officer
What Schools Have to Say…..
”"Having lost my mum at the age of five, I understand the profound impact the death of a loved one can have on a person's life. Addressing bereavement, death, and supporting young people are challenges that school staff may not always be prepared for. This programme equips them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to respond effectively. Providing the right kind of pre-bereavement support to our students in school can be truly transformative".
Richard FletcherDirector of Performance at Dukes Education
