In the UK, approximately two children aged under 16 are bereaved of a parent every hour of every day. We’re proud to be working with Balloons – a charity offering support to these children in Exeter and Devon.
The charity was established in 2009, by a group of palliative care nurses working with a terminally ill mother. They realised there was nowhere to refer her children for support at such a difficult time, and it quickly became clear that this was a very common issue.
Global’s Make Some Noise will support the charity’s ‘Getting to Grips with Grief’ programme which will provide one-to-one support for approximately 140 children a year who have lost someone special.
Children like James*, whose grandmother is terminally ill and unfortunately is likely to pass away very soon. She has been the legal guardian for James since his birth, and following her death, he is likely to enter the care system.
Balloons have been able to support James, and will continue to do so; helping him recognise how to let go of his anger without being destructive, and coping with extreme anxiety.
*While the story above is true, names may have been changed to protect the child’s privacy.