Footsteps

Footsteps is a small, local charity that supports bereaved children and young people (aged 5 – 21 years) together with their families across South Worcestershire. Since its inception in 2011, specialist, qualified practitioners have supported over 1000 children and young people and impacted on the lives of more than 6000 people. Footsteps has a small office based on the Green, at Top Barn Farm.

The charity was set up in 2011, by Susan and John Smith, in response to a visible need for bereavement support for children and young people in the area. The charity provides one-to-one bereavement support for young people and their families; group sessions; training for school and institutions that interact with bereaved children and young people. In addition, the charity offers advice to parents, carers and professionals, informing and raising awareness about bereavement within the community. The service is delivered on an outreach basis, with practitioners travelling to support young people in schools, colleges, universities and other safe, educational environments, enabling the service to be accessible to those in need. When funding permits, Footstep also organise and host Family activity days, bringing some of their families together with others to help prevent feelings of isolation; to share experiences; to develop belonging and to facilitate longer term mutual self-help. Some activities, such as a Christmas Lantern Walk are to remember loved ones in a very special way, others such as a lakeside activity day at Top Barn are to have fun together!