Simon Says Volunteers

Our Trained Volunteers are the beating heart of Simon Says

We support Hampshire children and young people up to the age of 18 years who have a significant person in their life who has died or is dying.

  • Professional Support

  • Supporting Families

  • Volunteers

Families
Caring for a bereaved child or young person can be challenging especially while coping with your own grief. Simon Says is here to walk beside you and your family during this difficult time.
Professionals
Whilst we can’t take away the pain of bereavement, with appropriate support and information, children and young people can be helped to understand what has happened and gently encouraged to rebuild their lives and have hope for the future.
Volunteers
Train with us to become a volunteer who can support bereaved children across Hampshire, help our Fundraising or give us some of your time to run the office.

Our History

Simon Stanley was a 37 year-old teacher from Southampton when he died from cancer. His wife Sally found there was no bereavement support locally for their two small children. Their experiences have led to the establishment of “Simon Says” as a registered charity.

Our research has shown that the Stanley’s experience is not unique and there is a wider need to provide resources and information to children and parents and to those working with children eg: teachers, health professionals.

The need for support in Hampshire is astonishing. It is estimated that each year, around 400 parents die in the county, leaving around 690 dependent children (aged 0-17). Overall it is estimated that 4370* children and young people (5-16 years) in Hampshire have been bereaved of a parent or sibling at some point in their childhood (*source: childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk).

The charity became registered in 2001, and a formal launch took place on March 25th 2002, changing it’s status to CIO in 2021.

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Our Aims

When children are dealing with the death of someone close, they may feel angry, guilty, frightened and alone. It can be very difficult for a parent, carer, close relative or friend to help a bereaved child when they are grieving too. Simon Says aims to:

  • Support Hampshire children and young people up to the age of 18 years who has a significant person in their life.

  • Offer information and advice to move forward in their lives, but never to forget their significant person.

  • Run a telephone support line.

  • Host monthly age-appropriate support groups.
  • Offer the opportunity to meet other families who have also been bereaved.
  • Support and give advice and training to teachers, and other professionals working with bereaved children and young people.
  • Host an Annual Residential weekend for up to 45 children and young people.