Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall is launching Time to Share – Bereavement Services community group in West Cumbria on Tuesday 10th November, who are working with an increasing number of children following the death by suicide of a parent. The project, who have recently been awarded funding as part of the Community Covid19 Recovery fund, offers therapeutic bereavement support to children and families who have experienced bereavement or loss.
‘Time To Share’ offers an eight week after-school course for the family, where the community group enables peer support networks for children and adults, that have had similar experiences, to develop and help at often, the most difficult time in their lives.
Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall comments: “The rich sense of community spirit across the county since the start of the pandemic has been a lifeline to so many people. The Community Covid19 Recovery fund has helped to support some fantastic community groups, as well as help to start new activities such as Time to Share community group.
“This kind of support, especially during the pandemic, for families as they meet others who are living with similar bereavements, is vital. The trauma of losing a parent or family member has huge impact on children and potentially even more so when the cause of death is suicide. We have to do all we can to help children through this process where we can.
“Time To Share helps its members to know they are not the only ones experiencing such emotions. It organises activities to help children process their feelings, thoughts and ideas and progress through the stages of grief, to begin to accept their loss.
Ashley Lloyd, Director of Time to Share Bereavement Services CIC comments: “We are grateful for this support from the Police and Crime Commissioner. It has given us the opportunity to offer this much needed group, to children at a time when they need it most.
“The impact of Covid-19 on our community has been wide reaching. The children we meet have been afraid that others that they love will get ill and die. By having time with other bereaved children, they will be able to share these fears, be listened to and know that others understand.
“We have adapted our sessions so that the children can be together, thanks to Whitehaven Rugby Union Club who have offered us their venue for free and enabled us to put in place Covid19 Safe practices, which is ideal. We will continue to communicate with parents to build a bigger picture of each child’s individual circumstances and needs, supporting them to support their child during phone calls and at drop off and pick up times.”
Mental Health Liaison Officer, West Neighbourhood Policing Team, Sara Birkett comments: “Time to Share is an invaluable resource for West Cumbria that is being used to help families within a multi-agency approach.
“I am delighted that this is being supported by the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Community Covid19 Recovery fund to deliver individual support tailored to each family’s needs to achieve long term benefits.”
