Teddy Ambassadors help charity supporting bereaved young people

A bereavement support charity has issued an urgent appeal for public help.

Since 2014 Wiltshire Treehouse - www.wiltshiretreehouse.org.uk - has provided free support to bereaved children, young people and their families in the Swindon and Wiltshire areas, as well as advice and training to those who work with them. 

Following the pandemic their services are even more in demand, a situation further exasperated by lengthy NHS waiting lists for mental health support.

Like many small charities, they are finding it increasingly difficult to secure donations to support their work. 

Business Director Sarah Bear said: “Donations from the public and businesses were all but wiped out during lockdown and are yet still to recover. 

"The charity is expanding its services, and we need donations, and Wiltshire volunteers, with a particular focus on Trowbridge. We know that everyone is feeling the pinch, but we implore the local community to help us keep reaching those children and young people who need us. 

"Please join us, raising funds and awareness of the importance of childhood bereavement within our Week To Remember."

Wiltshire Treehouse will be holding ‘A Week to Remember’ from 16 to 23 November to coincide with Children's Grief Awareness Week. 

This has been inspired in part by the ‘Day to Remember’ workshop they regularly hold for grieving families. During the week they are asking individuals and organisations to help them by holding a multitude of fundraising and sponsorship activities, from the traditional sponsored runs, bake sales etc to something less labour intensive like donating 10 percent of hot drink sales on a particular day, or a team challenge – even if it is who can build the highest tower of cards during an online meeting. 

Any support, no matter how big or small, will all help Wiltshire Treehouse to keep providing their much-needed services to those who desperately need them. 

The charity will also have its Teddy Ambassadors going out into the local community to fly the flag for the charity and to help raise awareness of the services the charity offers offer.

Further information can be found at www.wiltshiretreehouse.org.uk/wk2r