Cruse Scotland, a Scottish charity that provides essential support to people struggling with bereavement following the loss of a loved one, has been able to extend its vital Early Support Programme following a fourth significant financial boost from Scotmid Funerals.
The funding has supported people across Edinburgh to better cope with each stage of grief, through one-to-one and group support sessions with trained volunteers.
Edinburgh-based Brian, who sadly lost his brother suddenly in 2021 and his mother the following year, shares how he benefited from speaking to Cruse Scotland:
“I can’t talk highly enough of my experience with Cruse Scotland. My counsellor was amazing – extremely professional, highly perceptive, and responsive to the finer nuances of the conversations we had.
“Each session I found hit the right balance of challenging yet supportive, and it was all done with warmth and good humour. It was exactly what I needed at exactly the right time, and I feel the benefit of it every day.”
Last year, Scotmid Funerals donated £8,000 to extend Cruse Scotland’s Early Support services and this year, the funeral provider has made a further £10,000 award.
This latest funding will allow Cruse Scotland to develop its volunteer recruitment and training programme to upskill its crucial volunteers in 2023-24 to continue its support to bereaved people in Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland.
Tickets are now available for Starlight Walk at Holyrood Park on Sunday 19 November, in aid of Sands, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity.
Starlight Walk follows a 6km route through the beautiful Holyrood Park and is an opportunity for anyone affected by pregnancy or baby loss, however recently or longer ago, to remember their much-loved babies by walking alongside other bereaved parents and families.
People taking part in the Starlight Walk have spoken about why they are doing this and what it means to them.
Bereaved mum, Rachel said: “We lost one of our twin girls, Nieve, at 26 weeks due to heart complications and it was the most difficult time of my life.
“Both our girls were delivered 5 weeks later. Nieve was born asleep first with a little helping hand from the amazing midwives and then her sister followed via an emergency c-section a few hours later. As we mourned for our girl, we also had her sister in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit fighting to survive.
“From the very first steps, Sands offered me a helping hand. They helped me find comfort through speaking to other parents and knowing they shared our pain. It was learning from them that helped me. I gained strength from other mums through their experience.
“I am walking to help ensure parents like me, can and do have an organisation such as Sands where they can get support, find comfort and even maybe a little hope just like I did.”
Bereaved sibling, Donna said: “For the last two years, I have taken part in this very special walk for my twin Rick, who died at 13 weeks’ gestation, and have thoroughly enjoyed it since it started in Edinburgh.
“It is a walk of camaraderie, reflection and a lot of love. It feels so good to belong to a group of like-minded people, passionate in raising money and awareness to prevent the pain we all feel, happening to others.
“I walk in memory of my twin brother but also for all ‘womb mates’ and their survivors. However, like many of us, I know so many people who have impacted by baby loss, so I walk for their loved ones too.”
Registration on the day opens at 3pm ready for the first wave of walkers to begin at 3.45pm. Walkers will meet at Edinburgh’s Dynamic Earth building before heading down to Holyrood Park and walking around Arthur’s Seat.
Once at 150 metres elevation, the walkers will be able to take in the incredible views of Edinburgh City Centre, looking out towards Duddington Loch, before heading back under magical starlight with their lanterns and torches shining brightly.
Tickets are £17.00 for adults, £12.00 for children (under 16) and free for children under 3 and are now available to purchase online.
Everyone that registers will receive two paper lanterns to carry on the walk, a walking memory card to wear with pride, a Starlight Walkmedal once they have crossed the finish line, and a well-earned tea or coffee and cake in reception with an opportunity to add to our wall of remembrance.
Sands’ Events Fundraising Manager, Florence Moffat said:“For those that are unable to attend the event in Bristol on 11 November, there is also a virtual Starlight Walk at Home taking place which can be completed anywhere in the UK on 2 December, on your own or with a loved one.
Sign up for free and stroll through the countryside, march through the town or simply let your feet lead the way as you walk either 5km or 10km for Sands. Like starlight itself, the love for our babies is endless, and together we will walk through the darkness and find the light.”
Every day 13 babies die before, during or shortly after birth. Sands works to understand where and why babies die and why some women and babies are more at risk than others.
Sands is determined to save every life it can and ensure the right care and support is there for every bereaved family, whenever and wherever they need it.
This September, the UK’s first childhood bereavement charity, Winston’s Wish marks 30 years of supporting children and young people by launching a dance fundraiser #30daysofdisco.
To mark this milestone occasion, the charity are inviting you to join in with 30 days of disco. An opportunity to listen to your favourite music and move your body to remember a loved one or just to have some fun all whilst raising money for charity.
Get involved independently or unite with your friends, colleagues or school class and become the hottest new dance group in town. Whether it’s to recreate those shapes you’ll be seeing on Saturday night’s Strictly Come Dancing this September, keep those holiday party vibes going or warm up for the office Christmas party, it’s a fundraiser you’ll want to be part of.
Dance at home for 30 minutes a day, wear your best party gear for an office ‘Disco Day’ or host your very own disco dance lesson, this danceathon is all about encouraging ‘free-style’, however you wish to take part.
Those signing up will receive a free Disco Fundraising Pack with everything they need to get the party started including glowsticks and stickers for the big kids at heart. Plus take part in a leadership board filled with enthusiastic dancers just like yourself! Share your dance journey with #30daysofdisco.
By dancing for Winston’s Wish this September you can play your part in providing vital support for grieving children and young people across the UK.
To find out more about how your support can make a difference or for more ways to get involved visit winstonswish.org/disco
Held In Our Hearts are excited to launch their first live event this year.
The Fire Walk will take place on 4th December from 6pm at Craiglockhart Leisure Centre and we are delighted to have Scott and the team back again from UK Firewalk.
