The Severn Trent Community Fund has awarded a £9,000 grant to Nottingham-based charity Zephyr’s to provide nature-based play and well-being sessions for families dealing with the loss of a baby or child. 
 
The grant has enabled Zephyr's to work in partnership with Boots & Brambles Forest School to run monthly sessions throughout 2023 for people of all ages. So far the sessions have welcomed almost 20 different families, with more attending on each occasion.

The ‘Into the Woods’ sessions see children, parents and grandparents gather outside and take part in gentle activities to remember their children who have died. The sessions have also seen children and adults who have been through similar experiences, enabling them to make friends and build a network of support that can also grow away from the monthly activities that Zephyr’s provide.  
 
Alongside the outdoor sessions, Zephyr's offers bereavement counselling, peer support and creative activities.

Zephyr’s Founder and Managing Director Carly Williams said: “Just as parents might struggle to navigate a life after the loss of a precious child, children can also find it tough. A child learning to cope with the loss of a brother or sister might feel very lonely and confused. Our sessions in the woods are really relaxed, playful and fun, and everyone knows that they’re taking part in activities with a circle of people who understand what they’re going through.

“Not all therapeutic support takes the form of talking therapies so we’re extremely grateful to Severn Trent for this funding that has already opened up our services to many people who hadn’t seen what we do before.”

Sue Heyes, Severn Trent Community Fund Officer, said: "Making a positive difference to the local community is at the heart of everything we do at Severn Trent so we're delighted to be able to help fund what will be life-changing sessions provided by Zephyr's and Boots & Brambles Forest School.

"It is evident what need there is in the local community for these sessions – everyone knows how devastating the loss of a family member can be, and it is wonderful that children and families in the area now have access to these vital activities."

To find out more about the fund, and what projects have been awarded, please visit stwater.co.uk/communityfund.