East Sussex groups helping bereaved young people can now apply for funding

Organisations in East Sussex can now apply for grants of up to £10,000 for projects that help young people support each other during bereavement. The funding is being offered by the Co-op Foundation partners together with Co-op Funeralcare and is available in East Sussex and Kent. Grants are available through the Co-op Foundation’s #iwill Fund. The Foundation expects to make about five grants in total and organisations have until noon on April 3 to apply at www.coopfoundation.org.uk. Successful applicants can access funding for social action projects that equip young people with the skills they need to provide peer support. Grants could also help young people to use their experiences as a way to speak up and recommend how local services can help other bereaved young people. Co-op Funeralcare in Eastbourne is a partner in this latest round of funding. Their involvement is in direct response to findings from its ‘biggest ever survey’, which surveyed more than 30,000 people to understand the nation’s experiences and attitudes towards death, dying and bereavement. This survey found that 16 to 29-year-olds are the age group most likely to bottle up grief, with just under a quarter (24 percent) saying they ‘kept it to themselves’ when suffering a bereavement. Young people were also most likely to be left out of social arrangements because of bereavement. Jim Cooke, head of Co-op Foundation, said: “As the Co-op’s charity, we’re delighted to be partnering with Co-op Funeralcare to provide grants through our #iwill Fund. “Losing a close friend or family member is difficult at any age, and it can be particularly tough for young people who might be dealing with other pressures at home, at school or in their social lives. “Helping others going through similar experiences is a great way for young people to build their confidence, skills and sense of belonging. And by recommending how others can support bereaved young people better, they can make a long-term difference for their peers.” David Collingwood, director of funerals for Co-op Funeralcare, said, “At Co-op Funeralcare, we understand how experiencing a bereavement can have a major impact on the life of an individual, and this is even more pronounced when it happens at a young age. “Bereavement is unique to every person, and everyone chooses to deal with the loss of a loved one in different ways. “It’s a long process, but the long term support of others is essential when trying to overcome the hurdles grief entails. “Co-op Funeralcare has seen first-hand the importance of support groups within the community and we are honoured to be part of this crucial initiative.” The Co-op Foundation’s #iwill Fund supports the aims of the #iwill campaign that wants to make social action a part of life for as many 10 to 20-year-olds as possible. The Foundation has already invested £2m into tackling youth loneliness through youth social action. These new grants form part of a £3 million extension that will also see young people campaign to improve community spaces and support each other during the move from primary to secondary school. Funding also supports Co-op’s Co-operate 2022 community plan that aims to improve communities’ spaces, skills and wellbeing. The #iwill Fund is a £40 million joint investment from The National Lottery Community Fund, using National Lottery funding, and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to support young people to access high quality social action opportunities. Co-op Foundation acts as a match funder. For more information on the Co-op Foundation and to apply for funding, visit www.coopfoundation.org. uk