The Children’s Bereavement Centre, which supports children struggling to cope with the loss or death of a loved one, is appealing for help following a decision to cut some of its funding.

The charity, based in Newark, works with children and adults living in Nottinghamshire and parts of Lincolnshire, and relies on financial support from local fundraising efforts, charitable trusts, organisations and individual donations.

Until recently, eight per cent of its total income came from contributions from the Mansfield and Ashfield and Newark and Sherwood Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) – equating to a total of £25,188 per year.

Kate Baxter, Director of Services for the Children’s Bereavement Centre, explained: “We’ve been receiving funding from the CCGs since 2014, but unfortunately the decision has been made to terminate the payments.

“This is despite the fact that 70 per cent of our referrals are from healthcare professionals and that we have supported over 450 young people from Newark and Mansfield in the past year.

“As a result, we are having to seek other viable options to bridge the gap – otherwise we will have to reduce services, which of course would be detrimental to those accessing them.”

The Children’s Bereavement Centre has been providing a unique range of services in Nottinghamshire for 15 years and remains the only specialist bereavement service in the county for those aged three to 18.

Kate added: “Countless people have said that they wished such help existed when they were growing up, while those who have been able to access our services often say they can’t imagine how they would have coped without them.”

Izzy Smith, from Ollerton near Newark, was referred to the Children’s Bereavement Centre at the age of 10 after she discovered her mother had taken her own life.

Now aged 20, Izzy is grateful for the support the staff at the Children’s Bereavement have provided. She said: “The centre became my safe place after my life had turned to darkness; I was self-harming, misbehaving and lashing out at loved ones, but they have shown me that I can be happy again as that’s what my mum would have wanted.

“I can honestly say this charity has saved my life: my confidence has gone from rock bottom to sky high, allowing me to do things I never thought possible. We must do everything we can to ensure it remains here for all local children who need help in the future.”

Kate added: “While it’s always worrying when funding we have relied so heavily on is withdrawn, we are hopeful that individuals and businesses will be willing and able to help.

“We are so grateful for all of the support we receive, now and in the future, which enables us to continue to run such a vital charity.”

Find out how you can support the Children’s Bereavement Centre by visiting: www.childrensbereavementcentre.co.uk

The charity is also in the running to receive between £5,000 and £10,000 through the Aviva Community Fund, which is dictated by votes from the public. To cast your vote, visit community-fund.aviva.co.uk/acfcms/get-involved by 20^th November.

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Notes to Editors:
• The Children’s Bereavement Centre is a registered charity that provides pre-bereavement, bereavement and loss support to hundreds of children and young people aged three to 18. All the children and young people who receive support have experienced trauma due to terminal illness, death or the divorce or separation.
• The charity’s services are available to anyone living in Nottinghamshire and parts of Lincolnshire.
• Between 2015 and 2016 the Children’s Bereavement Centre supported more than 600 children, young people and their families.
• The charity aims to ensure that children, young people and their families receive timely support so they can remain healthy and in education and go on to reach their full potential.
• Its free support services include one-to-one children’s support, play therapy, filial therapy and peer groups as well as counselling and support for parents and carers.
• Full address: Children’s Bereavement Centre, 3 Kings Road, Newark, Notts NG24 1EW
• For more information visit: www.childrensbereavementcentre.co.uk

For media information, please contact:
Zoe Lamb
zoe@weareshootingstar.co.uk
Shooting Star
01522 528540
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