AS CHILDREN across the region prepare to head back to school, some will be facing the first term since experiencing a significant loss.
For young people who have lost a loved one this summer, or grieving families dealing with the death of a child, gearing up to face the school gates after a bereavement can be a big moment.
A new partnership between Thames Valley Air Ambulance and Child Bereavement UK will offer a lifeline to grieving families when their lives have been turned upside down.
The two local charities have signed a memorandum of understanding and agreed a joined-up approach to supporting families during tough times.
Adam Crosby, head of aftercare at Thames Valley Air Ambulance, said: “Our crews treat the most seriously ill and injured people across the region, and we meet families on possibly the worst day of their lives.
“But our care extends beyond that day, as we help them to process what has happened, and support them as they deal with trauma and loss in the weeks, months, and years to come.
“This new partnership with Child Bereavement UK formalises an already strong relationship between our charities.
“By teaming up in this way, we can share research and resources so that we can provide the best possible support to families when they need us most.”
Thames Valley Air Ambulance helps people survive and recover from an emergency, as teams attempt to protect, save and revive lives, providing critical care at the scene and beyond.
The charity, which was called out 3,293 times last year, receives no regular government or National Lottery funding, and relies on the generosity of donors and fundraisers.
Maninder Hayre, director of services and partnerships at Child Bereavement UK, said: “We’re pleased to partner with Thames Valley Air Ambulance to raise awareness of both services, sharing knowledge and expertise so that grieving families are able to
access the support they need, when they need it.”
Child Bereavement UK helps families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies.
They support young people up to the age of 25 when someone important to them has died or is not expected to live, and parents and the wider family when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying.
They also provide training to professionals in health and social care, education, and the voluntary and corporate sectors working with bereaved families.
For information, or to support the charities, visit: www.tvairambulance.org.uk, and www.childbereavementuk.org
