We want to ensure that hundreds of children, young people and their families can continue to receive our essential support that will make a lasting difference to the lives of bereaved children throughout Northern Ireland. Our Child Bereavement Service in Belfast, provides intensive one-to-one counselling for over 200 children and young people every year. The children we help have been affected adversely by trauma, bereavement and loss. This can include, death by terminal illness, brain haemorrhage, drowning, road accidents, suicide and children who have watched their parent be murdered. ‘I don’t feel guilty anymore. I know now that my daddy’s suicide was not my fault’. John, aged 12. Our Service is different from many other ‘counselling’ services, as we support the whole family, both on a one-to-one and group basis. We offer support that addresses the emotions they are feeling, including, anger, resentment, confusion, denial and severe depression. We use various techniques to help children come to terms with their loss. This includes the use of art, story telling, painting, games and talking, all which help them express their feelings. “Today’s session has been really helpful because I now feel happier where I thought I could never feel happy again.” – a child after being able to tell their story through pictures Our experienced team of staff and volunteers also provide training and information for parents and professionals, and an Advice Line which offers direct advice and support to anyone worried about a bereaved child or young person. ‘The counselling helped me and my mum talk. We got all my daddy’s things from the attic and now I have a special memory box with precious things belonging to my daddy ’ Hayley, aged 13. We need to raise £750,000 to guarantee the future of this service for the next three years. With your help we will give children the right environment and support for healing, and resilience to cope with their emotional wounds.