Forest School activity attended by the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead
This Summer, Jigsaw South East families were once again invited to the beautiful grounds of Gatton Park in Reigate for a day filled with fun, forest school activities. During the day they had the opportunity to try their hand at fire lighting, campfire cooking, potion making, leaf cutting and printing, den building and more under expert instruction from the wonderful team at Gatton Park. The stunning historic parkland, situated in Reigate, was also the ideal spot for enjoying a picnic and thankfully the weather onboard with this plan, offering glorious sunshine all day.
We were delighted to welcome the Mayor and Mayoress of Reigate and Banstead to the event, who spent time speaking with Jigsaw staff and some of the families supported by the charity, learning more about the value of our service in supporting children and young people through the death of a loved one.
Reflecting on his visit the mayor said:
It was a pleasure to meet some of the wonderful families supported by Jigsaw South East and hear first-hand the positive impact the charity has made to their lives.
Speaking with the Jigsaw team I was saddened to learn that every 20 minutes a child is bereaved of parent in the UK, I’m incredibly grateful that we have a charity like Jigsaw South East to help local children and young people at such a devastating time in their lives.
Jigsaw South East’s Chair of Trustees, Dr Cecilia Hughes who attended the event said:
It was a pleasure to meet the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead at Gatton Park where some of the children we have supported were taking part in a Forest School session with the Gatton trust. The Mayor and his wife spent a long time talking with staff, children and their carers to learn more about Gatton Trust and Jigsaw South East. We all enjoyed the fire lighting and the toasted pitta breads with cheese. It was great to spend some time over tea and cakes highlighting the work that our charity does supporting children and young people through bereavement.
I was very proud listening to some of the parents describing to the Mayor and his wife the unique support they had received from Jigsaw South East. Having a dedicated support worker and the opportunity for face-to-face meetings with other children and families in similar situations were highlighted as making a big difference to their lives. The Mayor seemed impressed with the work that we did and wished us well in the future.
I feel privileged and proud to be part of this amazing charity.
Families tell us that social activities like this visit to Gatton Park offer them much needed opportunities to spend time with their family in nature and also connect with others in a similar situation.
The day was very much enjoyed by the families who attended and we’re incredibly grateful to the amazing team at Gatton Park for hosting this wonderful event once again.
Would your family benefit from our Support?
Jigsaw South East provides information and guidance to help support children and young people facing or coping with the death of a loved one. We support families in Surrey, and nearby areas of East and West Sussex and Kent.
If you would like to know more about the support we provide please visit our pre bereavement or grief support web pages. You can also contact our helpline for families and professionals.
Helpline: 01342 313895 | Monday – Friday | 9.30am – 12.30pm
