Penhaligon’s Friends Marks 30 Years Supporting Bereaved Children in Cornwall

Bereaved children in Cornwall say early grief support has helped shape who they are today, as Penhaligon’s Friends marks 30 years of supporting families across the county.

The Cornwall based charity has revealed it has supported 13,291 children and young people since it was formed in 1995. Now, as it reflects on three decades of work, it is sharing stories from young adults who describe the support they received as a “lifeline”.

30 Years of Support in Cornwall

Penhaligon’s Friends was created in 1995 after a bereavement forum of organisations working with children identified a lack of child centred bereavement services in Cornwall. The charity was set up to address that gap and ensure children and young people under 18 receive the right support.

Since then, demand has grown steadily. During 2024/25 alone, 1,104 children and young people across Cornwall were supported. In the past year, 64 children and young people were referred to the charity following a bereavement by suspected suicide.

The charity supports children and young people at any stage of their grief journey. Some receive help immediately after a bereavement, while others access support later in childhood.

Support is provided in a way that works for each family. This includes telephone information and advice, home visits, family visits, memory days, support groups, training, school support and one to one work.

📷Rebecca graduating. Credit - Rebecca and Julie

“They Gave Me Support When I Needed It Most”

Rebecca lost her dad when she was six years old. She is now 25 and works as a teacher.

Rebecca said: “In 2007, my dad died very suddenly from a very rare and undetected illness. I was deeply traumatised and when I returned to school, I felt angry and upset with life. My school contacted Penhaligon’s Friends with my mum’s consent. They gave me support and guidance with care and compassion when I needed it the most, allowing me to talk about my feelings.”

She added: “Penhaligon’s Friends enabled me to process my grief and channel my feelings in a positive direction. Because of the timely involvement the charity played in my early life, I am now able to empathise with my own students who find themselves in similar circumstances.”

Rebecca’s mum, Julie, said: “Penhaligon’s Friends not only gave my young daughter huge support in 2007 at our time of greatest need but also offered me compassion and empathy. The positive impact of the help given to us both by Penhaligon’s Friends remains to this day, every Christmas Rebecca hangs the decoration that she made with them as a memory keepsake of her dad.”

📷Jordana and her brother. Credit - Jordana

“It Was Immediate Friendliness”

Jordana, now 25, lost her dad when she was 14. She says the support she received as a teenager helped her understand and process complex emotions around grief.

She said: “It’s such a strange process losing someone by suicide. You’re both upset that you’ve lost someone you’ve loved but you’re also angry. I realised it’s OK to be angry, the anger was part of me coming to terms with what happened. I walked into Penhaligon’s Friends and it was immediate friendliness. It taught me to be open and to not be scared to be open.

“By being at Penhaligon’s Friends, I was supported in the right way so I knew how I could support others.”

Looking Ahead

Julie Parker, CEO of Penhaligon’s Friends, said: “Since 1995, we have provided crucial support, advice and guidance to thousands of Cornish children and young people as they navigate a challenging time in their lives. We’re proud to walk alongside them for however long they need us.

“We are honoured to tell powerful stories from brave young adults and would like to invite anyone else who has been supported by Penhaligon’s Friends in the past to share their stories with us. Hearing feedback from young people helps us shape our support for years to come and make sure families are supported in the best way for them.”

Anyone who has received support from Penhaligon’s Friends and would like to share their story can contact the charity at [email protected].

📷Pete and his Dad, Geoff. Credit - Penhaligo's Friends