We believe that every bereaved child, young person, parent and family across the UK should be able to access the support they need when they are bereaved of someone important in their life.
To enable us to reach more grieving families, we are announcing our plan to merge Child Bereavement UK and Winston’s Wish.
The merger will bring the best of our important bereavement services and training together to become one unified entity that supports bereaved children, young people (up to 25), parents and families, and educates professionals across the UK.
This is a step towards doing more – combining strengths to better serve our shared communities.
But this is more than just combining resources – we’re multiplying hope. Together, we can reach further, act faster, and stand stronger, giving a voice to bereaved children, young people, parents and families across the UK.
By merging, the two charities hope to unite with one powerful purpose: to ensure no child, young person or bereaved parent has to face their grief alone. The merger aims to increase the impact of their collective work, better serve their shared communities, and increase efficiencies. Upon completion of the merger, the organisation will operate under the name Child Bereavement UK.
Fergus Crow, who has been CEO of Winston’s Wish since 2015, will become CEO of the combined organisation.
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.
HRH The Prince of Wales, Patron of Child Bereavement UK
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.
Alexander Fitzgibbons, Chair of Child Bereavement UK
Liz Gratton, Chair of Winston’s Wish, added:
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.
Liz Gratton, Chair of Winston’s Wish
Child Bereavement UK and Winston’s Wish are now focused on the practical steps both organisations need to take to realise the potential that this merger will bring to reach more bereaved families.
In this period of transition, both organisations will continue to deliver their respective services to beneficiaries and stakeholders.
If you are currently receiving support, fundraising, volunteering or partnering with either charity in any way, this will remain unaffected.