The CiaO Foundation is proud to support the important work of Grief Encounter, a leading UK charity dedicated to helping bereaved children and young people navigate the devastating impact of loss.
Grief Encounter provides vital emotional and practical support to children, young people and their families following the death of someone close. Through specialist services, counselling and therapeutic programmes, the charity helps young people process grief, rebuild confidence and feel less alone during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
CiaO has recently provided a grant to fund art supplies for over 35 disadvantaged children as part of Grief Encounter’s Creative Therapy programme, an essential part of the charity’s therapeutic support.
Creative Therapy gives children a safe and accessible way to explore complex emotions that can often feel difficult to express through words alone. Through art, creativity and guided therapeutic activities, children are able to communicate feelings, process experiences and begin to heal.
As a bereavement charity, Grief Encounter works with many families also facing significant financial hardship. Access to creative materials can often become an additional barrier to participation, particularly when support is needed most urgently.
The funding provided by CiaO will help ensure that every child, regardless of circumstance, can fully engage in therapy sessions and benefit from the programme. By enabling Grief Encounter to purchase and prepare essential art materials in advance, the charity can focus on delivering consistent, high-quality support to children when they need it most.
Amelia Davies, Trusts Manager for Grief Encounter, said:
“We are incredibly grateful. Creative therapy is fundamental to our work and many children simply do not have the language to articulate their grief. These resources will help improve engagement, strengthen outcomes and ensure that children are not disadvantaged because of financial constraints.”
The partnership reflects CiaO’s commitment to supporting organisations that empower individuals facing profound emotional and personal challenges, helping ensure that no child feels unsupported in their grief journey.
“Hearing some of the stories of the children Grief Encounter has supported through incredibly challenging times, often after losing one or both parents or primary caregivers, really struck a chord with us. We encouraged the charity to explore applying for a CiaO grant to support initiatives such as grief packs, counselling sessions and creative therapies including art and movement therapy. We immediately recognised the potential for a meaningful partnership and a powerful opportunity for one grant to positively impact a significant number of children and young people facing extremely difficult circumstances.”
Lottie Geaves, Trustee of CiaO Foundation
