Thursday 8 May 2014

A Refreshing Day


We recently held a Refresher Day in Kenilworth for our wonderful team of volunteers. We all came together to catch up, share thoughts and learn some useful new skills. We even stood in the shoes of the bereaved children we support and told 'My Story' about a loss we'd encountered during our lives. Telling 'My Story' is an important part of Guy's Gift support programme and it was a moving, interesting and somewhat liberating experience for us all.

Guy's Gift's volunteers help us support bereaved children in Warwickshire by being a part of both one to one and group counselling sessions. Without them, we wouldn't be able to reach as many children and young people as we do...so we think they're rather fabulous.  


Towards the end of the day we spent a happy hour or so indulging in some art and craftiness. The idea was simple...using a glue stick, a piece of paper and a pile of magazines, we were tasked with creating a collage about anything we liked. There was much pondering over which pictures to include and the sounds of merry chatter and ripping paper filled the air! It was great fun, but there was a serious side to it all as it was introducing our volunteers to an activity that they could try with the bereaved children they support. Putting together a collage gives children a chance to create, relax, escape, chat...and not worry too much about being neat. It's also a great way for them to express what they're thinking about or how they're feeling and can become a useful talking point.

Here we all are with our collage creations. It was a great day and everyone agreed that it was lovely for us all to meet up, see old friends and even make some new ones.

Thursday 1 May 2014

Cause for Celebration


Five years ago today Guy's Gift began it's work with bereaved children and their families in Warwickshire. We've been on an amazing journey - from our first referral to now helping hundreds of children throughout the county.

On such a momentous day, here are a few words from Jackie Potter, one of Guy's Gift's founders and also the charity's Family Services and Training Manager:

"Just over five years ago we had a vision, an aim to establish a bereavement support service for children and young people in Warwickshire, which was, sadly, lacking at that time. That vision grew into Guy's Gift. Since the 1st of May 2009 we have seen the charity develop and become a valued member of the county's integrated care provision network. We can all be proud of the contribution that Guy's Gift makes. This success is in no small way due to Guy, as his own special life is the inspiration that continues to guide our work. His 'gift' has been to give us the drive and outreach to make a difference to the huge number of individuals and families that have benefitted from the support of the Guy's Gift team. I feel privileged to be part of such a caring team!"      

Guy - an inspiration.


Here's to the next five years...and beyond!