The Child Death Helpline, a unique service established to support
anyone affected by the death of a child, has been given a Queen’s Award
for Voluntary Service.
The Child Death Helpline is staffed by
bereaved parents, who are trained and supported by professional staff,
at two UK centres, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust
(GOSH) and Alder Hey - Royal Liverpool Children’s NHS Trust.
The
annual Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service recognises and rewards
excellence in voluntary activities conducted by groups in the community,
and is awarded by the Office of the Third Sector, part of the Cabinet
Office.
Rosie Midson, Joint National Manager of Child Death
Helpline at GOSH said: “Being bereaved parents themselves, our
volunteers have an empathy and understanding with callers.
“The
helpline is not a counselling service, but a listening ear providing
emotional support. We have callers who have been bereaved recently or
30, 40, even 50 years ago – there is no time-limit on when people can
call and we are open 365 days a year. The service also supports parents
whose children have died as adults.
We are delighted to receive a
Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and believe it is a reflection of
the excellent work of our 55 volunteers, who are very much unsung
heroes.”
The helpline is available on a freephone number and there
is an interpreting service using Language Line for non-English
speakers. The award will be presented to the Child Death Helpline team,
by the Lord Lieutenant of Camden, Ian Johnston.
For more information visit www.childdeathhelpline.org.uk
Ends
Contact information:
For further information, including case studies, please contact
Hayley Dodman, Great Ormond Street press office on 020 7239 3126 or
e-mail dodmah@gosh.nhs.uk
For genuine and urgent out of hours call speak to switchboard on 020 7405 9200
