THE UK’s two leading child bereavement charities have announced that they are planning to merge. The merger will take place between Child Bereavement UK and Winston’s Wish, which support bereaved children, young people, parents, and families. They also provide training to professionals, equipping them to provide the best possible care to bereaved families.
Together, both charities will be united by their missions to ensure that no child, young person or bereaved parent has to face their grief alone.
At a time when demand for services is increasing, the charities plan to join forces to increase the reach and impact of their ground-breaking bereavement services and training. They will be able to support more grieving people when they need it the most, and help to reduce the long-term challenges that unresolved grief can cause.
The newly merged organisation will retain the name Child Bereavement UK, as well as its Royal Patron HRH The Prince of Wales, who has been Child Bereavement UK’s patron since 2009.
Fergus Crow, who has been the Chief Executive of Winston’s Wish since 2015, will be the Chief Executive of the merged organisation. This follows the retirement in September 2024 of Ann Chalmers MBE, Child Bereavement UK’s Chief Executive for 21 years.
HRH The Prince of Wales, Patron of Child Bereavement UK, said:
“Grief is the very worst pain any child or parent will ever endure, and while we cannot prevent these losses, we can ensure that every possible type of expert support and care is given to help rebuild the lives of those affected.
“In my sixteen years as Patron of Child Bereavement UK, I have seen the life-changing impact of their work and how the support, care and compassion provided protects the long-term health and wellbeing of those living with loss. I have also seen the growing need for support of this kind, and it is because of this increasing demand that I am delighted that Child Bereavement UK and Winston’s Wish are joining forces to expand their impact.
“They have recognised that together they can do so much more, and I commend them both for taking this bold step to reach more people and help to reduce the long-term challenges that unresolved grief can cause.”
Liz Gratton, Chair of Winston’s Wish, said:
“Combining our expertise, networks, and resources to address issues with greater impact and efficiency will allow us to deliver new projects, expand reach, and serve a broader demographic of bereaved communities that neither organisation could achieve alone.”
Alexander Fitzgibbons, Chair of Child Bereavement UK, said:
“The merger is a strategic partnership built on a vision of growth, expansion and opportunity. With more, we can do more. Together, we can reach further, giving a stronger voice to bereaved children, young people, parents and families across the UK.”
As the merger progresses, both organisations will continue to deliver their respective services. Beneficiaries and stakeholders should be reassured that they will continue to be able to access support and other services as usual.
To find out more, go to: www.winstonswish.org and www.childbereavementuk.org.
