Sibling Support hosts Downing Street event

The charity, Sibling Support, which helps young people when their brother or sister dies, organised an event at the home of British Government, Downing Street ahead of Sibling Day.

The not-for-profit was started by people whose brother or sister died in their childhood. The charity works with families, charities and professionals across the UK to provide support to siblings experiencing grief.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer lent the use of the impressive State Room with lots attending, including charities, families, supporters and celebrities, like Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews whose brother died whilst descending Mount Everest.

A film, ‘Finding Michael’, documenting the quest to find his brother was released last month to critical acclaim on Disney+ .

Spencer said “The evening was one of the most emotional events that I have attended. I lost my brother when he was a bit older and though difficult, I find that in some way I was fortunate that my brother experienced more than some of the other attendees who spoke tonight. Sibling Support is a wonderful charity which deserves all the support they can get and I was very happy to attend this evening.”

A further attendee was Dancing on Ice winner and ‘I'm a Celebrity...’ runner up Jake Quickenden who explained why Sibling Support was so important to young people “I have lost my brother, so for me to support a charity which specifically supports siblings is really important. When I lost my brother, your mates your age just wanna play football, so it’s really important that Sibling Support are providing this help. It was amazing to hear tonight the stories of so many inspirational young people.”

Ben West, who has recently published the book ‘This book could save your life’ was also in attendance and spoke on the help Sibling Support can provide. He commented: “Sibling Support is so important. When I lost my brother to suicide, I wish I had access to the resource they provide. In my work, I see how easy it is to really struggle with grief and how important it is to receive support’.

A further guest was Union J member, George Shelley.

In an exclusive survey, asking 143 people globally whose brother or sister has died, a staggering 90% of people say siblings are forgotten about when it comes to grief.

Sibling Support is working with organisations and people to ensure young people are helped throughout their grief.

In the coming weeks, Sibling Support are launching a nature walk on Salhouse Broad in Norfolk, with the first activity voiced by national treasure Stephen Fry. This permanent walk allows people of all ages to learn how to deal with their feelings and speak about grief.

The charity also provides resources for hundreds to help with their grief and mental health. From specifically produced bereavement books (of which thousands have been given out in hospices, schools and other charities) to mindfulness boxes that encourage young people to stop internalising their feelings.

Animations, explaining key topics like what a funeral is, appear on the charity’s website alongside stories of people who have also experienced a sibling bereavement.

Callum Fairhurst, founder of Sibling Support said: “At Sibling Support, we want to help all children who have lost a sibling. After my brother died from cancer when I was 12 and he was 14, over the years it became very clear the support for children whose siblings have died was not as readily available compared to other forms of grief. A distinct memory is the support books for children whose parents, grandparents and pets who had died whilst there was no support for those children whose siblings had died.

“We want to ensure young people have coping mechanisms to help them with their grief and mental health and helps health professionals focus on siblings.”

At the event, as well as celebrity attendees were a mixture of beneficiaries, supporters and influential people within the sector. Attendees heard from young people who’ve benefited from the charity, and the event gave Sibling Support the opportunity to thank people who volunteer and work tirelessly to support children in a special way.

Support for children dealing with the loss of a sibling, families wishing to support children and resources for healthcare professionals and those in a care position can be found on the Sibling Support website where free resources, case studies and more information is available, or by emailing: hello@siblingsupport.co.uk.