Lauren Edwards MP Visits Holding On Letting Go to Learn About Bereavement Support For Children

Holding On Letting Go, the Rochester-based children’s bereavement charity, welcomed local MP Lauren Edwards.  to learn more about the specialist support it provides to children, young people and their families across Kent.

During the visit, Lauren, MP for Rochester and Strood, met the team and Chair of Trustees, Brian Downton, and heard about the charity’s work with children up to the age of 18 who are grieving the death of someone close.

Lauren was also briefed on the charity’s 2026 campaign, £350 for 300, which aims to raise £350 for each of the 300 children expected to need support this year. However, as Clinical Lead Debbie McSwiney noted, demand is rising sharply and the charity may support closer to 500 children in 2026.

Debbie explained how the charity supports families both before and after a bereavement, including when a death is expected. She outlined how the charity’s weekend bereavement programme uses creative therapeutic activities — such as arts, crafts, music and games — to help children express their thoughts, feelings and emotions safely. Debbie also highlighted the specialist training provided to staff and volunteers, along with the support available to them when needed.

Parent/Carer Facilitator Dawn Bradley described the charity’s parent and carer support groups and its network of Bereavement Cafés held across the county, giving families the chance to meet others who truly understand what they are going through.

Programme Assistant Caroline Norman shared more about the charity’s wider family support, including its annual Christmas party held in January, a summer party, and the remarkable transformations often seen in children over the course of a bereavement support weekend.

The charity emphasised that, without its services, bereaved children and their families would struggle to find support, as specialist bereavement care for children is not government funded. Fundraising Officer Pam Meller explained that the charity’s work is made possible entirely through donations, grants and fundraising, including contributions from individuals, community groups and local businesses.

Throughout the visit, Lauren asked thoughtful questions and offered ideas and advice on potential funding avenues. She also took away charity flyers to share with relevant contacts who may be able to help.

CEO Jules Tobin said:
“Lauren’s visit enabled us to explain to her what we do, who for and the difference it makes. Raising awareness goes hand in hand with fundraising, because when people know about us, they can support us with time, a donation or help a family to find us. She asked a lot of very welcome questions, and we hope she left knowing much more about what we do and how people can help us to keep doing it.”

The charity said the visit was a valuable opportunity to highlight the increasing need for bereavement support in Kent and the importance of continued community backing to ensure no child or family has to face grief alone.