Young people’s bereavement charity Winston’s Wish is calling upon local communities to join ‘Wear Wellies Day’ on February 29.
This leap year, schools, workplaces and community groups are invited to turn puddles into playgrounds and don their wellies for a day of fundraising in aid of the charity.
The ask is simple, donate to wear wellies for a day and take on puddle themed fundraising
activities all to help local bereaved children and young people.
As well as providing a fun initiative to get behind this February, wearing wellies is also a
significant way of reminding people how grief is often presented in young children.
‘Puddle jumping’ is a term that is used by bereavement professionals to explain how children often seem to ‘puddle jump’ in and out of their grief, one minute presenting unfazed by their bereavement and the next struggling with their emotions.
Estimates suggest that every day, more than 100 children in the UK are bereaved of a parent and that figure doesn’t equate how many young people are coping with the death of a sibling, grandparent, friend, or another significant individual in their lives.
Wear Wellies has gained considerable traction in the last few years with schools,
corporations, and youth groups from all over the UK donning their wellies and making a
splash for charity.
Winston’s Wish director of fundraising, Paul Moore said: “I’ve taken part in the
event myself so I know how much fun it is however it’s also a day that is filled with hope, love and support for those coming to terms with life following bereavement.
“With more young people turning to us for support than ever before, we’d love you to join us in raising funds so that no child or young person has to face grief alone.”
As well as providing direct support to young people and creating a range of digital resources, from podcasts to advice articles, the charity also provides free support to professionals working in education, healthcare, and community settings to assist bereaved children.
Winston’s Wish is keen to reassure bereaved young people and their families that they are
welcome to chat online, email or call for free to speak to a bereavement support worker by
calling 08088 020 021, emailing [email protected] or using the live chat at
winstonswish.org.
