We are living in truly unprecedented times as we all adjust our lives, in order to contain Covid-19. Here at Grief Encounter, we are trying to approach the situation with a balanced perspective, following government guidelines, whilst still offering open access support to the vulnerable families we exist for.

In accordance with the latest advice from the NHS and the Prime Minister, effective immediately, we have made the difficult, but necessary decision to postpone all face to face therapeutic services for families. However, we are actively increasing staffing to our helpline, grieftalk, which can provide indirect bereavement support to children, young people and those who have experienced the death of a loved one, on the phone, via web chat, over email and our newest service, e-counselling via Skype or video calling.

The essence of all that we do is "connection", mitigating the isolation that grief so often brings and connecting bereaved children and young people with each other. In these times, although we are unable to see our clients face to face, we urge you to stay connected and get in touch with us. Our helpline is staffed, weekdays 9am - 9pm and will continue to be until a time we are unable to. We are also open on Mothering Sunday, providing support for a day which is difficult to navigate for so many. 

As we know you are aware, the current situation puts non-government funded charities, such as ourselves, in an extremely vulnerable position. As a registered charity, a huge portion of our income comes directly from fundraising events, both national, individual and those hosted by Grief Encounter. Due to current guidelines, all of these events, which secure our operation, have been cancelled or postponed. In a time where demand is increasing, and where we are trying to offer grief support in innovative ways, we need to come together to ensure we can continue our offering. 

We are so grateful to our loyal corporate and individual funders who are supporting us through this difficult period, and their understanding of the difficult decisions around how we are supporting our most vulnerable children. Over the coming weeks and months, COVID-19 will continue to pose a big challenge to us, personally, collectively, financially and professionally. As the Prime Minister warns that many more families will lose loved ones, we need to make sure we are here to help the countless children and young people who will need support. We expect, and are planning for, our helpline to receive a huge uplift in calls over the coming months, and in order to meet those demands we ask you to please consider a one off gift or pledging a regular donation. 

A gift of just £26 could enable us to provide support through our helpline, for someone who has experienced the death of a loved one. With school closures possible, and a change of routine for so many young people, in new and scary times, it is imperative we continue to offer free supportive services, that offer help now. Our helpline can do this, with immediate therapeutic support online, on the phone, via e-counselling and e-mail.

If you feel able to donate we would be very grateful - helping to secure our future as we face the challenging months ahead. We realise that this time of uncertainty affects everyone differently, but if you are in a position to make a donation to help us continue offering services to the children and young people who need us, we would be very grateful. Please email us if you have any questions via info@griefencounter.org.uk.

Thank you so much for your loyalty, generosity, patience and understanding. The team at Grief Encounter would like to extend our best wishes for yours and your loved ones' wellbeing.

Richard Fogelman

CEO 

Grief Encounter