So much has happened over the last few months and lots of children and young people have spent extended periods of time at home, not been able to go out and been home schooled. Now they are returning back to school and so they probably have lots of thoughts going through their heads about what to expect.

Our Child Bereavement Support Workers here at Nelson’s Journey have a few tips for any bereaved child or young person going back to school:

Fiona’s Tip: “You won’t be the only person who will be worried about going back to school. It is okay to talk to your friends and tell them the things you are worried about”.

Duncan’s Tip: “If you need to know some information or are worried about anything at all, then make sure you speak to an adult in school who you trust. They will want to help you.”

Adam’s Tip: “If you have experienced a bereavement recently, then you may be worried about what to tell people or what help you might need in school. Plan for this by writing down the bits of your story that you are happy to share with others (e.g. friends, teachers) and also a list of things you feel may help you in school. Share this with a member of school staff and talk through how they can help you”.

Lisa’s Tip: “Before you go back to school, talk to your parent/carer and explain the things that you’ve been thinking about that worry you. Write them down on a piece of paper. After your first day back at school, look at the list again with your parent/carer and talk about how things went for you. Sometimes we just need to try something different before we realise that it is okay and that we didn’t need to worry about it so much.”

Amy’s Tip: “If you are allowed to, put something small from home in your pocket like a button, photo or something similar. If you are feeling worried during the school day (and miss being at home) you can touch your pocket or hold the object for a short time to make you feel better and remind yourself that people care for you.”.

If you are an adult supporting a bereaved child on their return to school, then make sure the staff know if your child has any concerns or worries. This is really important if your child has experienced a bereavement recently, as the school staff may not know. If your child is starting at a new school then please be extra patient as they get to learn their way around a new environment. Remember, if your child needs extra support then please ask for it as the staff will want to make sure that help is put in place.

Children and young people may find it difficult to cope with their return to school, as it will feel so different for a while, but with extra adult support they will soon get back into a routine.

In what capacity do you volunteer for Nelson’s Journey? e.g. support in the office, therapeutic interventions, events, youth panel etc.

Since starting 12 months ago I’ve volunteered at: events and day’s out, manned Nelson’s Journey stalls, helped in the office, helped at a residential weekend, given talks, supported Nelson’s Journey staff when they deliver Child Bereavement Awareness Training to professionals and even been an Extra for a short film promoting the NJ Purple Picnic. And…As it happens – tonight I’m going to a Ball (just call me Cinders!) to represent NJ and give information to attendees.

What was your motivation to volunteer for Nelson’s Journey?

When I moved to Norfolk (3 years ago) I was looking for a voluntary role which made use of my skills and experience in supporting vulnerable children and families. I kept hearing about Nelson’s Journey. And not just the odd comment but praises sung, unanimously, about the fantastic work the charity does.  A year ago, and after some research into the charity I applied to become a volunteer. I was very quickly interviewed and began my very own Nelson’s Journey, journey. And what a 12 months it’s been… I was welcomed on board by all the staff, who always have a smile and kind word for the volunteers no matter how busy they are or what they are dealing with through their work. Staff give excellent support to their volunteers and are always there to give guidance if needed. In January I was surprised and felt very proud to have been presented with a Bronze Volunteer award in recognition of the hours I had spent, over my first 8 months, supporting NJ.

What do you feel you get out of volunteering for a charity?

I look forward to continuing supporting in as many ways as I can because I feel there are still potential service users who don’t know enough about the services offered by Nelson’s Journey. And because service users themselves are so very grateful of support from staff and volunteers at difficult times in their lives. It is always rewarding when people feel they are able to tell you their story and talk about how they have been helped through their journey of bereavement. Volunteering for this charity has helped me to focus on something I wholeheartedly believe in and has helped me utilise my spare time in such a positive and uplifting way.

Have you learnt any new skills whilst volunteering for us?

I have pushed myself to do things I’ve never done before and really enjoyed the challenge. For instance, when I was interviewed I said that “I THINK i can give talks to groups of people”. And even after the training, I still wasn’t quite sure I could do it. But I did do it, and I loved it. I saw the impact that the information I was giving had on the attendees, listened to their stories and was overwhelmed by their support. I realised that it’s not about me and how I feel about standing up in front of a group and talking, it’s about spreading that all important NJ message and gaining peoples trust and support.  On the training weekend I learnt how difficult it is to do, what appears to be a simple task, without the wholehearted support of your team. As far as outstanding team work goes, I feel that Nelson’s Journey have got it nailed!

Have there been any ‘stand out’ moments for you whilst volunteering and if so can you tell us a little more about it?

Thinking back over the last year of volunteering I couldn’t pick one single outstanding moment because each time I have helped, no matter what I’ve been doing, there have been moments in every situation that stand out for me. I’m looking forward to many more ‘stand-out moments’ on my continuing journey as a volunteer with Nelson’s Journey.

We are pleased to announce an exciting new partnership project between Nelson’s Journey and Norfolk Scouts.  The aim of the project is to give bereaved children and young people, living in Norfolk, the opportunity to experience the positive benefits of Scouting.  The idea originally came from one of Nelson’s Journey young volunteers, as they felt meeting peers though the medium of Scouting was a great way to help children feel they are not alone.

The project will involve the setting up of 1^st Smiles Scout Group which will be open to all children and young people referred to Nelson’s Journey who are already involved in Scouting or who may wish to join Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts.

Both organisations are always striving to find new and innovative ways to engage children and young people in positive activities, which will hopefully improve children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.   The project will offer the opportunity for children and young people to take part in fun and enjoyable activities, as well as meet others who have experienced bereavement.’

Simon Wright, Chief Executive of Nelson’s Journey, said: “By working with Norfolk Scouts, we can pursue new ways of bringing back smiles to Norfolk’s bereaved children. Many of the children and young people that we work with benefit enormously from meeting with others of a similar age who are also bereaved, and understanding that they are not alone in their experiences. The 1^st Smiles Scout Group will provide an excellent opportunity to help young people to build their self-esteem and learn new skills, while meeting others who have experienced the death of a special person.”

Matthew Burrell, County Commissioner for Norfolk Scouts, said: “We’ve been really excited about the prospect of working together with Nelson’s Journey. Both our organisations have at our heart the purpose of enabling young people to develop relationships, help each other and become more resilient. Nelson’s Journey supports children and young people when they are at their most vulnerable, there is an absolute opportunity for the Scouts to help out providing safe spaces to learn new skills, build their unique character and mix with others as they map out their new futures.”

We are very excited to announce a golf day to support Nelson’s Journey and Leeway being held at Eaton Golf Club on Sunday 23rd September.

We would love to encourage anyone who wants to come along and bring a team – female and junior teams are very welcome too! Teams of 4 cost £160 and include breakfast, 18 holes and a 2 course dinner. If you’d like to come along, please get in touch – admin@leewaynwa.org.uk or 0300 561 0077.

If you are remembering your Mum or Nan this Mothers Day we know it could be really difficult. We have come up with an activity which will help you remember them year after year that you can do on your own or as a family.

Choose any type of container that is no longer needed; this might be an old wellington boot, a tin, a watering can or even a teapot! If you don’t have anything, a terracotta pot can also work well.