Young people’s bereavement charity supported by Police Commissioner’s Fund

A GROUP supporting children and young people who have lost loved ones has received funding from Police and Crime Commissioner, Jason Ablewhite to help them build positive futures.

The Commissioner announced the £3,000 funding at a visit to the Cambridge-based charity, Stars – Supporting Young People Facing Grief on Friday 1^st November.

“Everyone experiences bereavement during their life but for young people, the death of a parent or another important person in their lives can be terrible to deal with,” explains Anne Streather, the Charity’s Service Manager.

“Young people need time to be listened to and to speak about their fears and hopes for the future, but sometimes that’s difficult when others in the family are coping with their own grief. It can be helpful for young people to have support from someone outside of the family, to enable them to share their thoughts and emotions, which if left unexpressed, can lead to anger, disruptive behaviour and concentration issues at school. Our counsellors, in Cambridgeshire, can help by listening and encouraging young people to express their painful emotions through creative play and work.

“We are extremely grateful to Jason for his interest in our work with local bereaved children and young people who may be at risk of offending through their bereavement.”

Over the last six months, Police and Crime Commissioner, Jason Ablewhite has funded a total of 16 projects helping young people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to thrive in their local communities.

“It’s amazing how a relatively small amount of money can make such a difference to the health and wellbeing of young people,” explains the Commissioner.

“Early intervention is vital to supporting young people to understand what has happened and to move on to a positive future.”

The Commissioner’s Youth and Community Fund, now in its 4^th year, supports young people to actively participate and contribute where they live, helping them to become positive citizens and lead more fulfilling lives. The Fund is open to voluntary and community organisations who can apply for grants of up to £3,000 towards their project. More information about the terms and conditions of the funding can be found here.

The Commissioner is photographed with (left to right) Ann-Marie McKiernan, Lead Counsellor, Sammy Stars and Anne Streather, Service Manager.