A Bury St Edmunds-based bereavement service for children has won an award from the Queen. Nicky’s Way, which is part of St Nicholas Hospice, has won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The Award began in 2002 to mark the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, and celebrates excellence in voluntary activities carried out by community groups.
Nicky’s Way offers support following the loss of a loved one. The programme provides information, support, a chance to meet with children in similar situations, and a space in which to remember the person they have lost.It aims to help them hold onto the memories they want to treasure, as well as providing a setting where they can explore any difficult issues that may have been troubling them since their loss. Professional Family Support staff at the Hospice have trained a team of 18volunteers, who work directly alongside the children.
Nicky’s Way Co-ordinator Yvonne Holman says: “I feel fortunate to lead a team of enthusiastic volunteers, without whom Nicky’s Way would be impossible. Listening to bereaved children takes a person with calmness and sensitivity, along with a belief that children what children have to say about their loss is of the utmost importance, and needs to be heard.”
She continues: “This award rightly recognises the enormous contribution of Nicky’s Way volunteers to children and young people, the community and the Hospice.”
Nicky’s Way directly helps 25-35 children a year, and has worked with more than 265 children since it began in 1999. Each group runs for 6 weeks, and focuses on activities with a creative element.Techniques to enable the expression of feelings include making Memory Jars and an Anger Wall.
The group will attend a formal presentation, where the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk will pass on a certificate signed by the Queen, and a piece of commemorative crystal. The group will also be able to use the Award’s Unsung Heroes logo on any literature. Four representatives of the team will also attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace this Summer in recognition of the work of the whole volunteer team.
