Two Jigsaw South East Young Ambassadors light the way for grieving families in emotional Christmas Appeal

Two Jigsaw South East Young Ambassadors light the way for grieving families in emotional Christmas Appeal

Local childhood bereavement charity Jigsaw South East, which supports families across Surrey, Sussex and Kent, has launched its annual Light the Way Christmas Appeal, fronted this year by two of its inspiring Young Ambassadors.

The powerful new appeal video features Reece, a Young Ambassador, and Hannah, a Young Ambassador Mentor, who both speak candidly about losing a parent as children and the life-changing support they received from Jigsaw. By sharing their stories, they hope other grieving children will feel understood, less alone, and confident to ask for help.

Every day in the UK, 127 children are newly bereaved of a parent or caregiver. Jigsaw South East provides specialist support to help families navigate some of the most painful moments in their lives, from anticipatory grief when a loved one is dying, to support after a bereavement.

As a small, independent charity receiving no statutory funding, Jigsaw South East relies entirely on donations, grants and community fundraising to continue its work. This year’s Christmas appeal forms part of a wider year-long fundraising campaign to raise £100,000 to secure its vital bereavement support services for local families. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, the charity has already raised £95,000, but urgently needs help to reach the final amount.

Speaking about the campaign, Emily Lyle, Fundraising Lead, said:

“Our Young Ambassadors are the heart of this appeal. We are incredibly proud of Reece and Hannah for bravely sharing their stories. Their experiences show why our work is so vital, no child should have to face grief alone. We receive no statutory funding, so every donation genuinely keeps our support services running. We’re asking the community to help us reach our £100k target so we can be there for every family who needs us.”

How the public can help

Donations to the appeal will help ensure that Jigsaw can be there for every family that needs support; from the first call to the helpline, through to individual or group support sessions and activities where children and young people can meet others in similar circumstances. Every penny raised makes a real difference to local families facing or coping with the death of a loved one.

Supporters can watch the appeal video and donate at:  www.jigsawsoutheast.org.uk/lighttheway