News / Bristol Giving Day
The Knowle charity helping children affected by bereavement
A grassroots charity in Knowle that provides support to young people affected by bereavement is one of the causes set to benefit from Bristol Giving Day.
Grief Encounter South West, previously known as The Rainbow Centre for Children, offers free, professional, bespoke services for young people and their families after the death of a loved one.
Speaking about what it has meant for her, seven-year-old Daisy says: “When I first started coming to the centre, I felt quite scared and awkward. My dad had died and then my counsellor who was helping me at school died and things just felt worse.
is needed now More than ever
“I felt really sad and kept thinking, why me? I found it difficult to get to sleep and in school it was hard to concentrate and stay in lessons. I was feeling really sad and missing daddy.
“In therapy I did lots of different things, including playing with the sand tray, making slime and a ‘healing heart’ memory jar. Through these activities, I have shared memories, talked about problems and worries, let my anger out and faced my fears and sad feelings.
“Things have changed for me. I feel much better about dad and can stay with my feelings for longer. School is also getting better and I no longer find it difficult to sleep at night. I also know I can go back to the centre in the future if I ever needed to.”
Grief Encounter offers a confidential helpline, mobile and phone support via Grief Talk on 0808 802 0111. In addition, the Bristol-based centre provides a range of professional support services including one-to-one therapies, counselling and group work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAOuSrkKnBM
The charity is one of the 45 local causes that stands to benefit from Bristol Giving Day, which is organised by the Quartet Community Foundation, takes place on Wednesday, October 9 and is being supported by Bristol24/7.
People can show their support by undertaking the Bridges Challenge and donating £1 for each of the city’s 45 bridges crossed. The target is to raise £45,000 for the 45 organisations and charities.
Find out more about Grief Encounter by heading to the New Brislington Bridge on the Feeder Canal.
Bristol Giving Day is sponsored by Burges Salmon and PwC, with support by Bristol24/7.
Read more: The Bristol charity making a difference to the lives of young people
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
