Council’s backing for vital work of Sandy Bear

PEMBROKESHIRE County Council is supporting the Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity with £10,000.

The money will aid the Milford Haven-based charity through increased demand on services and loss of income resulting from the Covid-19 Pandemic.

The Council will also 50% match-fund a new Assistant Clinical Lead post for two years.

The charity will use the money to expand service provision to provide anticipatory grief services to prepare children and young people who are living with a loved one with a life-limiting condition.

Up to a third of children currently referred to Sandy Bear could benefit from this service.

Tessa Hodgson, the Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Social Services, said the charity provided an essential service and worked closely with Pembrokeshire schools and Social Services.

Cllr Hodgson added: “I am delighted we have been able to help Sandy Bear at what is obviously a difficult time for the charity.

“We recognise the valuable contribution and support Sandy Bear provide to Young People and Families in Pembrokeshire.

“The injection of financial support will go some way to ensure the well- being of children and young people now and in the future”.

Sandy Bear is as an independent charity and is staffed part-time by three individuals supported by a dedicated group of volunteers.

The charity was founded by Anita Hicks and Karen Codd along with a small group of committed trustees in 2017.

Since then, the charity has received 150 referrals and supported more than 100 children and their families, with evidence-based bereavement support.

Sandy Bear is dedicated to supporting children and young people up to the age of 18 who have experienced the death of a loved one.

Ceri Crichton, Charity Development Lead of Sandy Bear said: “We’re delighted that Pembrokeshire County Council is investing in Sandy Bear and the children, young people and families we help, especially at this challenging time when demand for our service is rising.

“We look forward to working closely with the Council over the coming years and we remain committed to providing exceptional therapeutic support for children, young people and their families who have suffered the loss of a loved one.”