Grief Encounter is being featured in a BBC Lifeline Appeal, which aired on BBC One on Sunday 27th March 2022, Mothering Sunday. Fronted by radio and TV personality, Roman Kemp, the appeal features families and individuals supported by Grief Encounter, sharing their experiences of grief, and highlighting how the charity has helped them on their own personal journeys.

It is hoped that the appeal will help raise vital funds for the charity, allowing us to reach even more bereaved families, and raise awareness of the 112 children bereaved every day in the UK.

Roman Kemp will introduce Floss, Joe and Rosie, three children and young people from across the UK, who have experienced the death of a parent. Through their stories, the film will highlight the wide range of free, professional support services Grief Encounter offer via their Family Programme, including one-to-one counselling, group workshops, family residential weekends and creative therapies, plus their nationwide helpline, grieftalk, open to anyone suffering grief.

“I’m honoured to be supporting this appeal for Grief Encounter, a cause that is very close to my heart. I lost a very close friend to me in 2020 so I understand the importance of the work Grief Encounter does in supporting children, young people and anyone who has, like me, experienced the death of someone close.” Said Roman, “Grief Encounter is there to give free, professional support to those who need it most, through their face-to-face and online help services, helping to bring light back into the darkest time of children’s lives.”

Grief is devastating at any age, but for a child, it is catastrophic; shattering a young person’s whole world. Grief Encounter provide a lifeline for bereaved children, offering free support services, mitigating against the negative outcomes of grief. Research shows that without early intervention, bereaved children can experience mental health, emotional, social and behavioural issues as they mature. Grief Encounter’s wide range of clinical services aim to give the right support at the right time, so young people can go on to lead full and happy lives.

“This appeal gives us an opportunity to highlight the important work we do, supporting young people when they need it most. We are hugely grateful to the BBC for helping us raise awareness and funds so we can help even more families across the country.” says Richard Fogelman, Grief Encounter Chief Executive. “Huge thanks also to Roman, who understands first-hand the importance of professional support, Joe, Rosie, Floss and all the individuals who helped us make this film. Your voices will always be the driving force behind what we do, every day.”

Watch the appeal now.