Flower wreaths and a sunset

Throughout the week, we will be honouring the families supported by our bereavement service, Echoes, in thoughtful and meaningful ways. One of these is our Sibling Photo Challenge, a creative competition with the chance to win a Polaroid camera. Participants are invited to capture one photo each day, inspired by themes such as ‘a smile’, ‘the colour yellow’, ‘your favourite place’, and ‘your person’. The photos will be shared on our website, where people can vote for their favourites, and they will also be printed and displayed in Momentum’s office in the lead-up to Christmas, creating a beautiful collection of moments and memories.

We know how much comfort books can offer to families coping with the death of a child. During the week, one of our Young Ambassadors, Thea, will share a reading of The Invisible String, and author Lynsey Shaw will read her own beautiful book, The Grief Jar. Thomas, who is also a Young Ambassador for Momentum, will share a special personal message. The readings and messages will be shared on our social channels for families to watch whenever they need a moment of connection or calm.

We have two craft events taking place between 2-8 December and award-winning writer, editor, speaker, and founder of Independent Thinking, Ian Gilbert, will lead an online forum for dads being supported through our Echoes service.

Across our website and social channels, we will be sharing the stories of families who have been supported by Momentum, in the hope that their experiences offer reassurance and remind others that no one has to navigate grief alone.

Vanessa Riding, Bereavement Support Manager at Momentum said: “Our Echoes families are forced to learn the almost impossible task of living with grief after the death of their child. The common theory of time healing and this immense loss feeling more bearable over time is untrue, and grief continues to be part of daily life without pausing or lessening.

Vanessa continued: “Sometimes friends, family or colleagues avoid mentioning their child through fear of saying the wrong thing or opening emotions and not knowing what to do. However, we would like Grief Awareness Week to encourage these conversations, as a reminder to check in with a person who lives with grief, to share memories of those who have died and to reduce the feeling of isolation. We hope that anyone who lives with grief has a chance to connect with a friend, a family member or someone who is just able to give a warm hug when words are not necessary or hard to find.”

Alongside offering emotional support, our Echoes team can help families in other meaningful ways. They can introduce you to others who are also finding their way after the death of a child- connections that often bring comfort, understanding, laughter, and cherished memories. The team can also arrange counselling or creative therapies and help organise a restorative break at one of our respite lodges or on our riverboat.

Find out more about our Echoes service here or if you would rather speak to someone, please call 020 8974 5931.