Volunteer Safeguarding Training Updates

Today we held our annual volunteer safeguarding update session, bringing the volunteer team together to refresh and strengthen their knowledge in supporting children and young people.

It was great to see such positive engagement throughout the session, with volunteers actively contributing and discussing best practice. Regular safeguarding training is an important part of ensuring our volunteer team remains prepared, confident, and committed to providing safe and effective support for the young people we work with.

A big thank you to everyone who took part and for their continued dedication to the work of Guy’s Gift.

Take on the Coventry Cathedral Abseil for Guy’s Gift

This August, we’re inviting our community to do something unforgettable for bereaved children and young people across Coventry and Warwickshire.

Guy’s Gift has secured 6 places in the Coventry Cathedral Charity Day and Abseil Challenge, giving supporters the chance to take on an incredible 27-metre descent down one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Whether you are looking for a personal challenge, want to conquer a fear, or simply want to fundraise for a local cause that changes lives, this is an amazing way to get involved.

Every participant who joins Team Guy’s Gift will be asked to commit to raising a minimum of £200 in sponsorship, with a recommended fundraising aim of £500 per person.

If all 6 places hit the £500 aim, together we could raise £3,000 to help bereaved children and young people across Coventry and Warwickshire access specialist support when they need it most.

Since 2008, Guy’s Gift has supported over 5,000 children and young people, and every fundraising challenge like this helps us reach even more local families.

This is a fantastic opportunity to try something new, step outside your comfort zone, and set yourself an unforgettable challenge, all while raising vital funds for a local charity.

We are particularly keen to hear from:

• individuals who love a challenge

• friends or family pairs

• parents and young people aged 12+

• local supporters who want to fundraise for a meaningful Coventry and Warwickshire charity

• people happy to share their story and inspire others

And even if ‘going over the edge’ is not for you, we would still love you to join us on the day. Coventry Cathedral’s charity day creates a fantastic atmosphere with stalls, supporters and community fundraising happening throughout the site, making it a brilliant chance to come and cheer on Team Guy’s Gift.

Want one of our 6 abseil places?
Please contact fundraising@guysgift.co.uk to register your interest and tell us why you’d like to take part.

Spaces are limited, so we’d encourage anyone interested to get in touch as soon as possible.

Bereavement Support Group in Leamington

This Thursday, we are pleased to begin another in-person bereavement support group in Leamington for children and young people.

These sessions will take place in a new community venue for Guy’s Gift, and, in response to feedback from families, we are pleased to be offering this group as a morning session.

We are looking forward to welcoming a new group of children and young people and supporting them to develop healthy coping strategies around the feelings and emotions that can come when someone important has died.

In-person groups can be especially valuable for children and young people who benefit from meeting others face to face, building connection through shared experiences, gentle activities, and meaningful conversation.

By offering both virtual and in-person support options, families can choose the approach that feels right for their child and best meets their needs.

We are so pleased to welcome the young people joining us and look forward to supporting them over the coming weeks.

To learn more about our support in Leamington or to discuss a referral, please contact the Guy’s Gift team.

Virtual Bereavement Support Group Starting Next Week

Next week, we are pleased to start a new virtual bereavement support group for children and young people across Coventry and Warwickshire.

Delivered during the school day, these online sessions can usually be accessed from either home or school, helping families choose the most practical way for their child to take part.

We have been successfully running virtual bereavement support groups for several years and continue to see the powerful difference that group support can make. One of the most important benefits is helping children and young people realise that they are not alone in their grief.

Meeting others with shared experiences can help reduce feelings of isolation, build connection, and create space for meaningful conversations with support from our experienced team.

We are proud to continue offering safe, supportive spaces where bereaved children and young people can feel understood, supported, and less alone.

If you would like to find out more about our virtual support groups, or make a referral, please get in touch with the Guy’s Gift team.

Nuneaton - we’re heading back for Group Bereavement Support Sessions in Feb/March 2026

Have you been waiting for group bereavement support sessions to return to Nuneaton?

We’ll be back in Feb/March 2026 for a slightly shorter than normal run of group sessions. Don’t worry, we’ll still make sure everything is covered in 4 weeks rather than 5 this time, to make sure the sessions are completed before the Easter school holidays.

Sessions in Nuneaton will be led by Iwona and Rebecca. There’ll be support from some of our wonderful volunteers too.

There’s still time to book a space for your children to attend. Email Iwona at iwona@guysgift.co.uk for more information.

Guy’s Gift Group Bereavment Support in Rugby

Group Bereavement Support Sessions are coming back to Rugby in January and February 2026.

The sessions will be hosted by Iwona and Maddie, with some of our fabulous volunteers.

Want to book your place at our next group bereavement support sessions? Drop us an email at info@guysgift.co.uk

Virtual Group Bereavement Support

Want to join a group support session with Guy’s Gift, but not sure you can make it to in person sessions due to afterschool commitments? We also run group bereavment support sessions virtually.

The groups are led by one of our counselling/support team members along with volunteer helpers.

The next virtual group support sessions are running with Iwona and Adele in November and December.

Coventry group bereavement support sessions

We’re trialling a different time of day for our next group bereavment support sessions in Coventry.

Taking on board feedback from families and schools, we’re trillaing running a group at the earlier time of 2pm.

The sessions in Coventry will be led by Faye, Rebecca and Iwona. Starting after half term.

Are you on our waiting list for support, and like to join us at the next group bereavement support sessions? Send an email to us at info@guysgift.co.uk to book your spot!

Upcoming Volunteer Induction Day

We’ll be holding our next Volunteer Induction Day on 24th October, in Warwick.

Would you like to join our volunteer team, to help at group support sessions or perhaps help our fundraiser? There are many things you can do to support your local bereavement support charity.

If you’d like to find out details about joining the team, and attending the induction day on 24th October, you can email Sarah at volunteering@guysgift.co.uk

Group Support sessions begining in Leamington

Our first group sessions of this academic year are running in Leamington at the Lillington Children and Family Centre, starting next week.

Sessions are being led by Libby, Maddie and Iwona, along with some of our wonderful volunteers.

If you would like to check if there’s a space for your family to attend, please send us an email to info@guysgift.co.uk