Every 30 minutes a child in the UK experiences the death of a parent or sibling; something that has the most devastating effect on the whole family. Sometimes, for example when the death is as a result of a suicide or murder, there is the added problem of dealing with media coverage and police investigation. It can also mean children losing both parents, when the father has been covicted of killing the mother, necessitating in some cases a move for the child away from all that is familiar if they go to live with relatives or carers or have to move to a children's home. Children often feel completely isolated and alone and in many instances unable to express their grief. Without professional help, bereaved children are far more likely to suffer from depressionand mental health problems in later life and the impact on society is immense.It is known that 40% of young offenders and 6 times as many teenage mothers experienced bereavement as children. Winston's Wish (www.winstonswish.org.uk ) provides a helpline,interactive website, free literature, face to face help and residential and outward bound weekends for bereaved chuildren. Many children are referred to our services through professionals like doctors, nurses, teachers and police family liaison officers. We are blessed with a professionally qualified family services team and many volunteers who help in many ways and are given appropriate training when required. Winston's Wish is totally reliant on donations to provide these services.