Prince William has spoke of a “growing need” for more support for those experiencing the loss of a child or parent as he praised the merging of two charities
Prince William has told how “grief is the very worst pain any child or parent will ever endure”, as he praised the merging of two charities helping people dealing with devastating loss.
Two of the UK’s leading child bereavement organisations today announced they will join forces to support bereaved children, young people, parents, and families.
Child Bereavement UK and Winston’s Wish said the collaboration will help them to provide further training to professionals, equipping them to provide the best possible care to bereaved families.
Together, both charities will be united by their missions to ensure that no child, young person or bereaved parent has to face their grief alone.
The Prince of Wales, who lost his mother at the age of 15, spoke of “growing need” for more support for those experiencing the loss of a child or parent.
The future king has previously referred to his own experiences of grief after the late Princess Diana was tragically killed in a Paris road accident in 1997, aged 36.
He said: “Grief is the very worst pain any child or parent will ever endure, and while we cannot prevent these losses, we can ensure that every possible type of expert support and care is given, to help rebuild the lives of those affected.
“In my sixteen years as Patron of Child Bereavement UK I have seen the life changing impact of their work and how the support, care and compassion provided protects the long-term health and wellbeing of those living with loss. I have also seen the growing need for support of this kind, and it is because of this increasing demand that I am delighted that Child Bereavement UK and Winston’s Wish are joining forces to expand their impact.”
The newly merged organisation will retain the name Child Bereavement UK, based in Widnes, Cheshire, as well as its Royal Patron The Prince of Wales. William, 42, took on the role in 2009 but it was established with the backing of his mother in 1994.
At a time when demand for services is increasing, the charities plan to join forces to increase the reach and impact of their bereavement services and training. They will be able to support more grieving people when they need it the most, and help to reduce the long-term challenges that unresolved grief can cause.
William added: “They have recognised that together they can do so much more, and I commend them both for taking this bold step to reach more people and help to reduce the long-term challenges that unresolved grief can cause.”
Liz Gratton, Chair of Winston’s Wish said: “Combining our expertise, networks, and resources to address issues with greater impact and efficiency will allow us to deliver new projects, expand reach, and serve a broader demographic of bereaved communities that neither organisation could achieve alone.”
Alexander Fitzgibbons, Chair of Child Bereavement UK said: “The merger is a strategic partnership built on a vision of growth, expansion and opportunity. With more, we can do more. Together, we can reach further, giving a stronger voice to bereaved children, young people, parents and families across the UK.”
Fergus Crow, who has been the Chief Executive of Winston’s Wish since 2015, will be Chief Executive of the merged organisation. This follows the retirement in September 2024 of Ann Chalmers MBE, Child Bereavement UK’s Chief Executive of 21 years.
As the merger progresses, both organisations vowed to continue to deliver their respective services as usual.