FINALIST 2023
Thirty years ago, Winston’s Wish became the first dedicated childhood bereavement charity, paving the way for young people’s bereavement services in the UK.
Three decades and thousands of lives touched later, we’ve helped children, teens and young adults find their feet after their worlds were turned upside down by grief. We’ve also been there for countless parents, family members, teachers and professionals with the words, the advice and the guidance to show up for their bereaved young person.
To mark 30 years we created this spoken word poem and felt it only right that it come from the young people themselves.
30 years this September
a chance to look back and remember
on the many lives we’ve helped to touch
as a friend and guide when it all felt too much.
The thousands of kids, teens and the young adults
whose hearts and minds were in somersaults
after someone they loved and mattered, died
for their person, they’ve screamed, and hurt, and cried.
Because ‘yeah’ grief sucks, and quite frankly it’s s**t.
Like the times it hits you out of nowhere, even when you think you’ve got a handle on it.
So we created a space where young minds can express
their feelings, their thoughts, their fears, their stress.
To connect with others and know they aren’t alone
‘cause Winston’s Wish is always on the end of the phone
to listen, to talk,
to be there, to care,
to be open and honest
because it’s important that we share
our feelings about grief and to talk about our person who’s died.
And if you don’t know where to start, Winston's Wish can be your guide.
Because when it feels really dark, and energy is low for the fight
We’ll work together to find the hope
and the chance to rediscover your light.
For more visit winstonswish.org
Winston’s Wish is a charity that offers free, accessible online grief support to children and young people (aged 25 or under) across the UK who are bereaved or facing the death of someone important. Our services are completely digital, making them accessible across the UK. We help no matter how long they’ve been living with grief or who has died.
At Winston’s Wish we’re aspiring to create a world where no child or young person faces grief alone. What’s more, we believe every young person should be able to access the support they need after someone important to them has died regardless of their age, location or circumstances.
No child or young person should be held back because of their bereavement. With the right support, bereaved children and young people can find ways cope and move forward with hope for a brighter future.
We're proud to have reached and impacted the lives of over 90,000 bereaved children and young people in the last year through our digital bereavement- information, services and training.
Right now, at least one child or young person in every classroom across the UK is grieving the death of a parent or sibling. And they’re demanding change!
Ask Me: Education is supporting bereaved students to ensure they are seen and heard when they’re grieving while in education. By signing the manifesto and implementing the bereavement plans, educators will commit to listen to bereaved students, to give them a voice and choice in how they are supported through grief.
It’s time to ASK and stop assuming.
It’s time to replace one-size-fits all policies with real student choice.
Because grief doesn’t have to erase their potential.
To join the movement and support Ask Me: Education, visit https://winstonswish.org/askme
To access support and find out more about Winston's Wish visit winstonswish.org
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