Simon Says 25th Anniversary
25 Years of Giving Grief a Voice in Hampshire
In 2026, Simon Says is celebrating 25 years of helping children and young people across Hampshire navigate the death of someone important in their lives.
For a quarter of a century, we’ve been giving grief a voice, helping children understand their feelings, supporting families to rebuild their lives, and guiding professionals to respond with confidence and compassion.
Throughout 2026, Simon Says will host key events, designed to raise awareness, engage our community, and generate vital funds to sustain our services. We hope you will support us in this important year.
Simon Says Hero Film
For 25 years, Simon Says has been supporting Children to grow around their grief with hope in Hampshire. Our Hero film shares the journeys of six Simon Says children and how the Charity has supported them.
Fun, creative, and full of heart!
Whether you’re taking part as an individual, school, family, or community group, there are so many ways to get involved and raise money to help children and young people who are grieving. Pick something that feels right for you and have fun doing good! If you need any support, please email info@simonsays.org.uk
Here is an idea of how your fundraising contribution could be spent:
Your fundraising helps us to keep Support Groups free for children. Together, we can ensure children and young people in Hampshire have someone to turn to when they need it most.
Why it Matters
The Tetstall Family, Ellen’s story
My husband Rick died suddenly in July 2024 after a bike accident in Los Angeles, where we were living at the time. Our children were then 8, 6, 3, and 4 months old. With all our family in the UK, it made sense to move back. The ICU team provided incredible support, including signposting me to Simon Says before we’d even left the States.
The older two attended their first Support Group that autumn. They were both nervous to meet other bereaved children, but the gentle welcome and consistent care from the volunteers helped them to settle. Whilst one loses herself in the crafts, the other appears to chat non-stop. My third child joined this year. He was so young when his Dad died and I’m not sure he’s yet grasped the finality, so I’m especially grateful for the group as he wrestles with loss.
Simon Says offers my children genuine community, deep care and real warmth. I never wanted them to need any of this support, but it is incredibly reassuring to have their grief handled with such expertise and compassion.
My Dad died when I was 12, so I understand a little of what my kids are facing. I know how much I would have appreciated a face-to-face opportunity like this, regular and close to home. Now as the parent, I also benefit from the connection amongst the adults and the beautiful events laid on for us.
Event Schedule
Make sure you have our Simon Says Charity 25th anniversary celebrations in the diary!
We look forward to coming together for several events over the year, so keep an eye on your emails for details.
Our main event for children and families will be on the 5th July, and we hope that many past and present children, volunteers, and supporters will come together to have lots of fun and share their memories of their time in the charity.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for your invite to our anniversary events in your email and on social media
