Bereavement is one of the most challenging obstacles we face in our lives, and it can be particularly tough for children and young people. Marking its 10th anniversary in May this year, Bereaved Children Support York (BCSY) offers meaningful support to bereaved children and families in and around York, enabling them to better cope with the disruptive, heartbreaking impact of living with the loss of a loved one.
The charity was first founded in 2016 by Jo Cole from Wigginton, after losing her husband Neil when their son Jonny was just eight years old. Designed to ease children, young people and their families through loss and bereavement, BCSY has offered companionship and support to around 800 local children and young people in the decade since it was established!
On the first Saturday of every month, BCSY hosts drop-in sessions at Oaken Grove Community Centre from 2.00pm-4.00pm, which are open to all children, young people and families facing bereavement – around 350 children have attended and benefited from these! With no booking required, these drop-ins enable youngsters living with loss to meet others and bond over shared experiences whilst enjoying crafts, toys, table tennis and free refreshments. Kids are encouraged to take away books and printed resources from each session, to help them better cope with upsetting and often bewildering feelings when dealing with grief. The charity also hosts regular Coffee Meet-Ups, where the parents and carers of bereaved children are invited to connect, have a chat, and receive mutual support from like-minded folk over a brew or two in a relaxed, friendly setting where they can take a break from the stresses of everyday life when dealing with loss.
Aside from its monthly drop-ins and regular coffee meetings, BCSY also holds regular fundraising events, with recent outings including a night at Bonkers Bingo and the free Magical Christmas Event for Bereaved Children, where youngsters and their families were invited to meet Santa and his elves, make reindeer food and enjoy a visit to ‘The North Pole’. A trip to York Racecourse Family Day was also enjoyed in September. This October, two Altra Yorkshire Marathon runners, Alisa and Jon-Paul, also put their legs to the test to raise money for BCSY.
As a very special treat to bring in the new year, BCSY is arranging a trip to the theatre to see the Magnificently Different matinee show at Joseph Rowntree Theatre in January, with a limited number of complimentary tickets provided for families who currently access the charity’s services, or have done in the past.
Keep up the good work, BCSY!
Visit www.bcsy.org.uk or www.facebook.com/bereavedchildrensupportyork to find out more about Bereaved Children Support York and stay up to date with upcoming events. Email info.bcsy@gmail.com to get in touch with the team.
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