Children’s charity Jigsaw4u (www.jigsaw4u.org.uk) has launched a new pre-bereavement service for children and young people in Merton and Sutton. The aim of the new service is to help children, young people and families who are affected by terminal illness. It is funded by The Taylor Family Foundation.

Christine O’Leary, Child & Family Support Worker, Jigsaw4u, says “If a parent is terminally ill, the shock will have a profound effect on all family members. Sometimes children and young people might not get the emotional support they need. They may feel shut out and have misconceptions about their parent’s illness. This service will help them with their grieving process when the person dies. We’ve been offering a bereavement service since 1997 – now children and young people can have access to us before the death of a close family member.”

Leaflets are being distributed to schools, GPs, local authorities and social services in the area. Chris says: “Families and professionals can contact us. We want to form partnerships with organisations and can offer help and guidance for professionals, as well as staff training. Schools, for example, may find it difficult to know what to do when a pupil has a terminally ill parent. We can help with this.”

For further information, please contact Chris O’Leary 020 8687 1384; e-mail chrisoleary@jigsaw4u.org.uk