Devon children experiencing the distressing and isolating impact of grief will benefit from £3,000 to provide much-needed support.
Young people’s charity Balloons received the funding from Tesco’s Stronger Starts scheme, which awards grants to charities and community organisations that make a positive difference in the lives of children and young people.
The charity has been given two grants of £1,500 for the purchase of books, journals, arts and craft materials, as well as games and other resources for bereaved children and young people in Exeter, Exmouth and Honiton. The funding will also pay for the delivery of grief support sessions and care packages.
Nicola Clarke, CEO at Balloons, said: “We are very grateful to Tesco for these grants. They will make a big difference to many local children who have experienced the loss of someone significant in their lives.
“Research indicates that the death of a significant loved one is a critical, traumatic moment for children and young people.
“If unsupported, they have poorer health and educational outcomes, are more likely to enter the criminal justice system and are more prone to a range of psychological disturbances.
“We help them with issues such as managing anxiety and anger, building self-esteem, managing sleep disturbance.
“This support also mitigates against these negative health, educational and social outcomes, and we help the children and young people to better understand and manage their grief, which in turn means that they can continue to engage with and enjoy their education.”
The Stronger Starts scheme, in partnership with the Groundwork charity, aims to support many Devon community projects and good causes in the coming years, with thousands of pounds to give away.
Claire De Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “We’re delighted that we can help groups and clubs like Balloons. Stronger Starts invites our customers to use their blue tokens to vote for local schemes they feel will benefit children and young people, and it’s so good to see the impact that the funding makes.”
Devon shoppers can support their local school and children’s groups by dropping the Tesco blue token they receive at checkout into the relevant voting box as they leave the store.
Further information about Stronger Starts is available at https://tescostrongerstarts.org.uk
To find out more about Balloons, go online at https://www.balloonscharity.co.uk
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