Jigsaw (South East) bespoke support for children facing the loss of a loved one

Jigsaw (South East) is delighted to announce some new additions to its services, which will enable the bereavement charity to better prepare children for the loss of a loved one.

Through the Preparing for Loss service, they will offer child-centred, tailored support to families, who will be helped by a named support worker. This individual will work on a one-to-one basis with the child and/ or young person when their loved one is terminally ill, at the time of the bereavement and in the initial days and months following the death. They will be able to give parental support and advice during this difficult period for the family.

The charity’s Operations Manager, Nickey Price, said:

“Our ground breaking Preparing for Loss service works in collaboration with the wider family, schools to whom we offer support, guidance and training, hospices and other agencies. It will enable us to better meet the needs of the children, young people and their families through small group work and community advice events.

“Sometimes parent-child bonds break down during long term illness and bereavement. Our service supports families to re-establish these relationships. We hope that it will strengthen families, improve communication and help them build resilience,” added Price.

Jigsaw (South East) secured funding from both the National Lottery Community Fund and from the Guildford and Waverley Clinical Commissioning Group to continue their work with families in Surrey, West Sussex and the surrounding areas.

“We are a small charity and our service will be bolstered by this funding, which ensures future sustainability for the Preparing for Loss service,” said Mrs Price.

Jigsaw (South East), which operates across Surrey and West Sussex accepts referrals from families directly, schools, health professionals and agencies.

You can download the leaflet about the service here.