Castlegate Financial Management have chosen to support The Children's Bereavement Centre this year.

The Children’s Bereavement Centre is run by a committed team of friendly, supportive and professional people who are passionate about helping children and young people to cope with the grieving process brought on by the death or terminal illness diagnosis that has a prognosis of a year or less for survival of someone close. The Centre is open to children aged 3 to 18 and offers a welcoming and safe environment for them and their families to receive the help and guidance they need at one of the most devastating times in their lives.

We all remember cuddling our favourite bear when we were younger and the feelings of security, safety and the comfort it brought. All primary school aged children accessing 1:1 bereavement counselling are offered a special bear to take away with them to talk about their feelings and emotions. A bear can ease stress, build confidence, soothe tears and can help a child handle fear, anxiety and the unknown. It is an important part of the range of support provided to help children cope with their grief and bring hope for a brighter future.

A donation of £10 could cover the cost of a special bear for a child. Your pledge could also help fund specialist support that will help bring comfort to a child at one of the most devastating times in their life.

Donations up to a total of £500 will be matched by Castlegate with an overall funding target of £1,000. This would provide 100 children with a bear to provide them with comfort during a very difficult time in their lives.