As Grief Encounter approaches its 20th year end, our founder, Dr Shelley Gilbert will be taking a step back from her duties.

As we approach the festive season, it's essential to acknowledge the unique challenges that grieving children and young people may face during this time. Christmas and other festive celebrations are often synonymous with joy and family gatherings, but for those dealing with loss, this time can magnify the feelings of longing, hurt, isolation, and confusion.

This Children's Grief Awareness Week, we are proud to partner with Feather & Down, the UK’s Number 1 Sleep Brand to raise awareness of the support available to help those grieving to find comfort and rest.

Jodie Mattey was just nine when her beloved dad Alan died of bowel cancer at the age of 40, leaving his wife Leanne and their three children aged six, nine and 11. She describes how Grief Encounter helped her. She also talks about how reLOVE photos recently helped her reconnect with memories of her dad through digitising her old paper photos.

Grief is profoundly personal and often an overwhelming experience, in particular for children and young people. Their understanding of loss and the ability to express complex emotions associated with grief are determined by age and by developmental stages.

Grief is profoundly personal and often an overwhelming experience, in particular for children and young people. Their understanding of loss and the ability to express complex emotions associated with grief are determined by age and by developmental stages.

Dancing on Ice Star, Vanessa Bauer, joins Grief Encounter as Ambassador, bringing hope and support to bereaved young people.

On behalf of the staff, children, young people, and families at Grief Encounter, we would like to thank our amazing volunteers for all that they do for us.

Gloucestershire Cricket and Western Storm are joining forces to raise vital funds for Grief Encounter during the T20 double-header on Sunday 9th June.

Grief Encounter is pleased to announce the implementation of a new first point of contact system for children and young people following the loss of someone close. 

Grief Encounter is thrilled to be working with Sellebrity Soccer to host the charity's 20th Anniversary Celebrity Football Match on May 5th, 2024, at Watford’s home ground, Vicarage Road.

The start of a new year whilst trying to deal with the death of someone close brings a mix of emotions, and for children and young people this can be especially challenging.