A BASINGSTOKE hospice received a grant from a charitable trust for its child bereavement resources project.

St Michael’s Hospice, which cares for people in North Hampshire who have life-limiting illnesses or facing the end of life or going through a bereavement, received a donation of £1,961 from The Four Lanes Trust.

The child bereavement resources project extends from the patient to their families, which often includes helping children with the loss of a loved one.

The grant has enabled the charity to develop an important space within the hospice that is dedicated to children – with resources including memory boxes, worry teddies, numerous creative resources, and a camera for capturing memories.

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Counsellor and bereavement lead at the hospice, Susan Iacobucci said: “We are so thankful for receiving this donation from The Four Lanes Trust. This funding has enabled the hospice to offer children and teenagers an amazing range of resources to support them whilst their family members are being cared for.

“The toys, puzzles and art materials offer a welcome distraction when children need some time out to do something normal at such a difficult time in their lives. The families cared for in the community are also benefitting from the worry monsters, which are helpful for children who are feeling anxious but may find it hard to talk about their worries.

“The memory boxes are used both before and after a bereavement, giving children and teenagers a lasting connection with their loved one.”

The Four Lanes Trust director Anne Blackmore said: “The trustees are pleased to support a project which is so valuable to the young visitors of St Michael’s Hospice.

“The resources and the staff will make a remarkable difference to their understanding of what their parent or family member is going through, which will reduce the impact on their mental wellbeing.”

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As a charitable organisation receiving less than 16 per cent statutory funding, St Michael’s Hospice needs to raise £14,000 per day to ensure its services can continue.

It is thanks to the generosity of the community – including organisations like The Four Lanes Trust that they can provide specialist care and support for people across North Hampshire.