Hampshire and Southampton based company, ActiveMe 360, has reached their target fundraising of £6,000 for local child bereavement support charity, Simon Says. A team of 16 comprising of employees and wider ActiveMe community members (including parents and teachers) completed the Great South Run to raise funds and awareness for the local charity.
Simon Says provide vital support for Hampshire children and young people up to the age of 18 years who have a significant person in their life who has died or is dying. The charity was established in 2002 following the death of Simon Stanley, a 37-year-old teacher from Southampton who passed away from cancer, after his wife Sally found there was no bereavement support locally for their two small children.
The Stanley’s experience is not unique and there is a wider need to provide resources and information to children and parents, and to those working with children such as teachers and health professionals. It is estimated that each year around 400 parents die in the county, leaving around 690 dependent children (aged 0-17). Overall, it is estimated that 4370* children and young people (5-16 years) in Hampshire have been bereaved of a parent or sibling at some point in their childhood.
ActiveMe 360 officially partnered with the charity in January 2020, as well as raising thousands through fundraising efforts, they also fund and run sport and activity sessions for the charity’s members. The sessions support the children’s physical, mental and social wellbeing whilst Simon Says volunteers provide additional bereavement support to them and their families.
Commenting on their fundraising efforts, ActiveMe 360 Founder and Director Will Atterbury said:
“I am incredibly proud of the team for taking on the challenge to run 10 miles in the Great South Run for our charity partners Simon Says. It was made even more special to have wider ActiveMe community members such as teachers and parents we work with as part of our team. To raise £6,000 is a testament to their dedication and passion in supporting Simon Says and their ongoing efforts to provide essential services that support the children & young people of Hampshire who have lost a loved one through bereavement.
It’s a great privilege to represent Simon Says through our ongoing partnership and I look forward to our continued work together to bring awareness to their mission.”
Commenting on their Partnership with ActiveMe 360, Emma Clewer, Education Lead said:
“The ActiveMe 360 support group allows the children and young people to have a positive physical outlet for all their pent up emotions to be expressed in a healthy way. It is a true delight to see the children laughing, smiling and having fun. It is an honour to work alongside such an amazing team, their enthusiasm and love of life is hugely contagious and the perfect recipe for our bereaved children.
Thank you Will and the team for all you do. The funds you raise and your passion to spread the awareness of our charity means we can support more bereaved families in their greatest time of need.”
When children are dealing with the death of someone close, they may feel angry, guilty, frightened and alone. It can be very difficult for a parent, carer, close relative or friend to help a bereaved child when they are grieving too.
All money raised goes directly towards:
- Supporting Hampshire children and young people up to the age of 18 years who has a significant person in their life who has died or is dying
- Providing information and advice to help young people move forward in their lives, but never to forget their significant person
- Running a telephone support line
- Hosting monthly age-appropriate support groups
- Offering the opportunity to meet other families who have also been bereaved
- Supporting and giving advice and training to teachers, and other professionals working with bereaved children and young people
- Hosting an Annual Residential weekend for up to 45 children and young people
If you know someone who might benefit from the support provided by Simon Says, or to find out more about what the charity do and to donate, please visit: https://www.simonsays.org.uk/
To find out more about ActiveMe 360, please visit: www.activeme360.com/