As schools close their doors for the summer and countless children and young adults are looking forward to holiday plans or time spent with friends and family, Winston’s Wish recognises that this time of year can be challenging for grieving young people.
As many people look forward to the break from routine, Winston’s Wish services remain open as normal throughout the summer and beyond.
Youth Ambassador Ashleigh is keen to highlight how difficult it can be to enjoy the summer when you are growing up grieving.
Ashleigh, a member of the Winston’s Wish Youth Ambassador team, explains, “l lost my dad to cancer when I was 16, just before starting college. He was incredibly strong, and his death, especially finding out on the day I collected my GCSE results, completely broke me. It all happened during COVID, which made everything even harder.
“My mum reached out to Winston’s Wish, and I had over-the-phone counselling sessions that were completely tailored to me. They gave me creative exercises and coping tools that helped with my anxiety, and for the first time, it felt freeing to speak openly about my dad and everything I was feeling.
“Bit by bit, the weight of it all became more bearable. After many sessions, I felt more able to navigate my grief, and eventually became a Youth Ambassador, which has been an incredible way to give back and support others like me.”
Feelings of grief can sometimes be triggered when there is a change of normal routine or when a there is a mix of emotions such as when going on holiday or about to start the next stage of education.
Ashleigh comments, “Summer used to feel like the happiest time of year, long days, warm nights, a chance to breathe. But ever since I lost my dad, summer has taken on a different kind of stillness. And in that stillness, grief gets louder. There’s no school, no uni, no packed schedule to distract me. Just time. Time to think, to remember, to feel everything I try so hard to push down the rest of the year.
“I think about my dad almost every single day. I think about how I’ll never hear his laugh again, never see that smile that made everything feel okay, never get to hug him or hear him tell me he’s proud. And honestly, I don’t think that’s something that I will ever truly accept.
“People talk about acceptance like it’s a destination, like you’ll eventually arrive there if you just wait long enough. But I don’t think I’ll ever truly accept that he’s gone. Not fully. There are moments when it feels real, but then there are moments when it still feels impossible.
“Summer makes it all feel heavier somehow. Maybe it’s the contrast of everyone outside enjoying the sun, planning holidays, making memories, while I’m sat with this big, invisible weight that no one else can see.
Ashleigh, Winston’s Wish’s Youth Ambassador, continues:
If you’re feeling this too, I just want you to know you’re not alone. Grief doesn’t take a break in the summer. It doesn’t care about the sunshine or the blue skies. It’s okay if your heart feels heavy when everything around you looks light.
Ashleigh, Winston’s Wish Youth Ambassador
If you need grief support this Summer Holidays, wherever you are in the UK, Winston’s Wish is here to make sure you never have to face your grief alone. If you are a parent worried about your young person over the holidays or going back to school, don’t forget to look at our advice and support.
Speak to our bereavement team today by phone, email or live chat. Services are available in the UK only. Online content and resources are accessible worldwide. Visit winstonswish.org for more info.
Call
Call to speak with a Bereavement Support Worker. Freephone 08088 020 021, 8am to 8pm weekdays (excluding Bank Holidays).
Email us on ask@winstonswish.org or fill out our contact form and we’ll reply within two working days.
Live chat
Chat online with a member of our bereavement team between 8am and 8pm, weekdays (excluding Bank Holidays). Click on the blue ‘Chat with us’ button at the bottom right of your screen.
Text
For out of hours mental health support, text WW to 85258 to speak with someone from our trusted partner, Shout. For urgent support in a crisis, please call 999.
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