We are pleased to announce an exciting new partnership project between Nelson’s Journey and Norfolk Scouts.  The aim of the project is to give bereaved children and young people, living in Norfolk, the opportunity to experience the positive benefits of Scouting.  The idea originally came from one of Nelson’s Journey young volunteers, as they felt meeting peers though the medium of Scouting was a great way to help children feel they are not alone.

The project will involve the setting up of 1^st Smiles Scout Group which will be open to all children and young people referred to Nelson’s Journey who are already involved in Scouting or who may wish to join Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts.

Both organisations are always striving to find new and innovative ways to engage children and young people in positive activities, which will hopefully improve children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.   The project will offer the opportunity for children and young people to take part in fun and enjoyable activities, as well as meet others who have experienced bereavement.’

Simon Wright, Chief Executive of Nelson’s Journey, said: “By working with Norfolk Scouts, we can pursue new ways of bringing back smiles to Norfolk’s bereaved children. Many of the children and young people that we work with benefit enormously from meeting with others of a similar age who are also bereaved, and understanding that they are not alone in their experiences. The 1^st Smiles Scout Group will provide an excellent opportunity to help young people to build their self-esteem and learn new skills, while meeting others who have experienced the death of a special person.”

Matthew Burrell, County Commissioner for Norfolk Scouts, said: “We’ve been really excited about the prospect of working together with Nelson’s Journey. Both our organisations have at our heart the purpose of enabling young people to develop relationships, help each other and become more resilient. Nelson’s Journey supports children and young people when they are at their most vulnerable, there is an absolute opportunity for the Scouts to help out providing safe spaces to learn new skills, build their unique character and mix with others as they map out their new futures.”

We are very excited to announce a golf day to support Nelson’s Journey and Leeway being held at Eaton Golf Club on Sunday 23rd September.

We would love to encourage anyone who wants to come along and bring a team – female and junior teams are very welcome too! Teams of 4 cost £160 and include breakfast, 18 holes and a 2 course dinner. If you’d like to come along, please get in touch – admin@leewaynwa.org.uk or 0300 561 0077.

In October last year we held another Funeral Professionals Awareness Event at Smiles House, with over 25 professionals from the industry in attendance to find out about our work and how they can help signpost and facilitate the families they work with, after a death. Funeral Celebrant Sharon Wood attended and has since signed up as our latest member of our ‘Funeral Services Friends of Nelson’s Journey’, where local businesses and professionals make a monthly donation to help Nelson’s Journey keep up with the growing demands on its services.

Sharon told us about herself “I am a professionally trained Funeral Celebrant based in North Norfolk., with a Diploma in Funeral Celebrancy as well as being a member of the Institute of Civil Funerals and the Good Funeral Guild.

As a professionally trained Funeral Celebrant, my role is to offer bereaved families a funeral ceremony that reflects the wishes, beliefs and values of the deceased and their families. These ceremonies focus on commemorating the life of the person who’s died and include a personal and respectful tribute. Each ceremony captures the very essence of the person and tells the story of the life that has been lived.

My background is in nursing where I supported the dying and their families, so I am glad to carry on supporting the families through my Funeral Celebrancy.

A close friend of mine died in 2015 and her young son was supported so well by Nelson’s Journey. I also knows several other families, both personally and professionally, who have had help and support at Nelson’s Journey, which is why I’m committed to supporting this wonderful local charity.

I’m keen to further develop my skills in supporting those who are bereaved. I hope to do some volunteer work at Nelson’s Journey when time allows. I also offers a range of beautiful memorial jewellery, including jewellery in children’s sizes, a unique and beautiful way to help preserve the memory of your loved one.

I’m very excited to have become a Funeral Services Friend of Nelson’s Journey and am happy to support this fantastic local charity supporting bereaved children here in Norfolk.”

If you would like to support Nelson’s Journey on a regular basis, please click here: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/donation-web/charity?charityId=1001715&stop_mobi=yes 

November 2017 sees the start of our 20th birthday and in preparation for this we are delighted to announce our Twenty20 scheme.  This project which will see us working with twenty Norfolk businesses who are all committed to raising at least £1,000 each in support of our work.

The Twenty20 is an exclusive group of businesses all working towards the same aim of raising at least £1,000 each in support of our work with Norfolk’s bereaved children and young people.

Alongside the additional promotional opportunities available to participating businesses, members will also benefit from:

• Networking events helping you to connect with other local businesses who are also committed to making a difference in their community
• Access to our Twenty20 News, helping you to keep in touch with progress being made
• Exclusive fun events being hosted by other participating business – details to be released soon!
• Exclusive discounts on tickets to our biggest events

Take a look at our e-magazine which explains more about it CLICK HERE

We are fortunate to be supported by a number of local businesses who wish to give something back to the local community.  Support ranges from employee volunteering to office fundraising and donation of products.

Our most recent corporate supporter is Capron and Helliwell Solicitors have chosen us as their Charity of the Year for 2017.

The local Solicitors, with offices In Stalham and Wroxham said “Members of staff put forward proposals for the firm’s charity of the year 2017.  The firm then organised a vote and Nelson’s Journey got the most votes making them the firm’s charity of the year for this year.”

They are busy organising a year full of different events and fundraisers, starting with a Family Fun Bingo Night at Stalham Town Hall on Saturday 25^th March followed by a Summer Fete at Stalham Office on Saturday 26^th August.

Including staff in choosing which local charity to support and fundraising initiatives is a great way to motivate and bring together a staff team.  Having the opportunity to feel that you are doing something rewarding is a great feeling. We look forward to working with all of our corporate supporters in 2017.

For further about Capron & Helliwell you can visit : www.capronandhelliwell.co.uk