A North-east charity which provides support to children and young people who have suffered bereavement has received a welcome four-figure donation from the Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation.
The £1,000 contribution will allow Grampian Child Bereavement Network to form a second teenage support group to complement its current offering, which operates a waiting list.
The new group will allow 10-15 young people from across the North-east of Scotland the chance to attend free activity days designed to rebuild confidence after loss. Participants are able to choose the activities they wish to take part in – including go karting, tubing or visiting Codona’s Amusement Park – and are provided with access to trained volunteers throughout the day if they wish to speak about their situation.
Malcolm Stewart, coordinator at Grampian Child Bereavement Network, says, “We are immensely grateful for the Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation’s donation, which will allow us to double our teenage support programme over the next 12 months.
“We have seen in our current group that strong bonds are formed between the young people who attend, as they form lasting friendships and share experiences. This is a vital step in coping with bereavement and has a profound impact on these young people.”
Founded in 2009, the Grampian Child Bereavement Network is managed by a board of trustees from a variety of background including educational psychology, social work, business and service users. Together with their volunteers, their aim is to provide support and guidance for bereaved children and young people in the Grampian region.
Claire Drummond, head of charitable giving for Aberdeen Standard Investments, adds, “Loss is difficult to deal with at any age, but children and young people can be especially affected by a bereavement. The work undertaken by the Grampian Child Bereavement Network provides a necessary support structure for young people facing emotions and experiences they never expected to have to deal with. We are incredibly proud to support a charity which does so much to help young people in their time of need.”
The Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation was established in 2012 to formalise and develop the Group’s charitable giving globally. The Foundation seeks partnerships with smaller charities around the world, where funds can be seen to have a meaningful and measurable impact. It encourages its employees to use their time and skills to support its charitable projects. For more information click here.
For more information about Grampian Child Bereavement Network, visit www.gcbn.org.uk
