Herm day out for children dealing with bereavement

FAMILIES set sail for outdoor activities, relaxation and fun in Herm for the Sunflower Project trip.

Lockdown meant the Sunflower Project was unable to offer the normal residential weekend for children who were dealing with bereavement, but with the help of the Smile for Georgie Foundation, the Set Sail Trust and Travel Trident was able to take them on a day of fun and adventure in Herm. (Pictures supplied by Denise Ozanne)

Run by the Youth Commission for Guernsey and Alderney, the project supports bereaved children and young people.

This year was the first of three which the Smile for Georgie Foundation is supporting, with the Set Sail Trust offering outdoor activities.

Jenny Le Prevost, from Smile for Georgie, helped out on the trip, and said: ‘When you have lost a family member it is really important to make new memories and find ways to relax and have fun together. The Sunflower Project trip to Herm provides just such an opportunity which we are pleased to support.’

Youth Commission CEO Charlie Cox said: ‘The Set Sail Trust works to provide family activities in Herm each year, which is an important part of our calendar.

‘We are truly grateful to the Smile For Georgie Foundation for funding this event and we really appreciate the generosity of Travel Trident for their contribution to the day.’

Day-trippers for The Sunflower Project's 2020 residential weekend, wearing Smile for Georgie Foundation hoodies, who sponsored this year's trip and will for the next two years.

Lockdown changed the schedule, meaning this year was a day trip rather than the usual spring weekend.

Three bereaved families met the Sunflower Project team at the Travel Trident kiosk, where Smile for Georgie hoodies and wetsuits were distributed.

Bacon sandwiches were eaten at The Mermaid before Outdoor Guernsey hosted a kayaking session at Shell Beach.

Sunflower Project bereavement worker Denise Ozanne was especially impressed by the courage and determination shown by some of the first-time kayakers.

‘The opportunity to challenge yourself and realise you can do things that are frightening gives a great sense of achievement. Seeing a seal was a bit of a bonus.’

Afternoon activities included learning something new or showcasing skills at the archery range.

It finished with ice creams at The Mermaid.

Later this month a residential weekend will be held for eight- to 15-year-olds, involving therapeutic activities, building resilience and reducing isolation.

. To refer a child or young person who has had a parent or sibling die please contact Denise Ozanne, Sunflower Project bereavement worker, via the email info@youthcommission.gg or 756099.

. Visit: https://www.youthcommission.gg/support for more information.