Over the past few months we’ve been working with local author Jamie Payne, the creator of Biggle Dink, who has created a book called Big Feelings.   Jamie Payne hopes his creation can help bereaved children when they are struggling to cope with overwhelming feelings such as anger.   Jamie approached the us in November 2023 and pitched the idea of creating a bespoke book, using his character “Biggle-Dink”, that would help support bereaved children and raise money for the charity too.   Jamie met with Funding and Marketing Officer, Becky Bushell, along with members of the service ..read more

Embrace the Joy of Nature: The Benefits of Picnics with Friends and Family In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s easy to get caught up in the never-ending cycle of school, work, responsibilities, and screens. However, amidst the chaos, lies a simple yet profound joy: spending time with friends and family in the great outdoors, indulging in the timeless tradition of picnics. Picnics offer so many amazing benefits for both our physical and mental well-being, building deeper connections and creating beautiful lasting memories. Let’s explore why embracing nature with loved ones is trul ..read more

VACANCY: Child Bereavement Support Worker CLOSING DATE: 23:59, SUNDAY 28 APRIL Location: Little Plumstead, Norfolk (including outreach working) Contract: £24,000 Fulltime (37hrs per week) Part-time may be considered for an exceptional candidate; permanent contract Can you make a positive difference by supporting children and young people in Norfolk through their most difficult times? Nelson’s Journey is recruiting a Child Bereavement Support Worker to provide support for children and young people following the death of a significant person. The successful candidate will have knowledge and unde ..read more

Embracing the Arrival of Spring: A Boost for Mental Health and Wellbeing As the days gradually get longer and the air begins to warm, there’s a noticeable shift in the atmosphere – the arrival of spring. With its promise of renewal and growth, springtime doesn’t just mark a change in the weather; it also brings a positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing. After the hibernation of winter, where daylight hours are shorter and outdoor activities are often limited, the transition to spring feels like a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively. Here are some ways in which t ..read more

In a world that often seems to move at an unrelenting pace, taking a moment to pause and talk about our thoughts and feelings can be a powerful and transformative act. Time to Talk Day, observed annually on the first Thursday in February, is a dedicated day that encourages open conversations about mental health. This day serves as a reminder that sharing our thoughts and emotions is not only beneficial for our individual well-being but also contributes to the creation of a more supportive and understanding society. Benefits of Talking includes: 1. Emotional Release: Expressing our feelings al ..read more

Christmas can be a time of mixed emotions for many of us. While, for some people, it’s a time of joy, love, and togetherness, for others, it can be very overwhelming because of heightened expectations and pressure to conform to the traditional holiday norms. For those who have been recently bereaved, this can be an especially challenging time. Some of these people may be approaching their first Christmas without a loved one. Here are some tips and guidance on how you can celebrate Christmas in a way that feels right for you, without the weight of others’ expectations. Grieving and Coping: Th ..read more

Coping with the absence of significant people in your life is difficult enough, but when important milestone moments take place, this can be even more challenging and emotionally difficult. For children and young people, August and September can be huge milestone months, especially for those who are waiting for A-Level and GCSE results, or for those starting school, college or embarking on a new school year and the changes this can bring. When a significant person is no longer present in their life, it can trigger very difficult feelings associated with grief, which can make it even harder to ..read more

So much has happened over the last few months and lots of children and young people have spent extended periods of time at home, not been able to go out and been home schooled. Now they are returning back to school and so they probably have lots of thoughts going through their heads about what to expect. Our Child Bereavement Support Workers here at Nelson’s Journey have a few tips for any bereaved child or young person going back to school: Fiona’s Tip: “You won’t be the only person who will be worried about going back to school. It is okay to talk to your friends and tell them the things yo ..read more

A brilliant free information book explaining the coronavirus to children, illustrated by Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler has been released. The book answers key questions in simple language appropriate for 5 to 9 year olds (although we feel it is helpful for other ages too): • What is the coronavirus? • How do you catch the coronavirus? • What happens if you catch the coronavirus? • Why are people worried about catching the coronavirus? • Is there a cure for the coronavirus? • Why are some places we normally go to closed? • What can I do to help? • What’s going to happen next? Lisa Wrigh ..read more

Connecting with each other: We are all currently facing lots of uncertainty and change due to the Coronavirus situation.  Life at the moment may be making you feel worried and that things are a little out of control.  There are lots of people we can stay connected with to help our physical and emotional health and well-being at this time.  Below are a few ideas to help you stay connected, healthy and supported.   Don’t forget your family and friends! We can stay connected even if we have to self-isolate! Get creative and think of ways you can stay connected with the people ..read more