Support for Families Bereaved by Violence

On a sunny day on 10th June 2015, our beautiful boy Stefan was brutally stabbed and killed while he was hanging out with friends in a local park. He died that same evening, and our lives have never been the same since.

Stefan was such a playful, fun, loving, and intelligent 18-year-old with his whole life ahead of him. Losing him in such a violent way has been nothing but heartbreaking. The months and years that followed have been a living nightmare. We went from planning his future to planning his funeral overnight.

We were suddenly placed in a unique position to see first-hand where families going through the same trauma lacked and needed support during this devastating journey. So, in 2016, as a family, we set up a peer support group (Love and Loss) for others, where we come together in a safe, non-judgemental space offering emotional support and community.

This year, 2024, we have become a UK-registered charity and wish to widen our impact to help more families. Unfortunately, our experience is not unique. We will provide not only emotional support but also access to therapies, financial assistance for funeral costs, and other essential support. We are also developing a programme to specifically support young people who have experienced, whether directly or indirectly, the bereavement of a peer through violence. This will include work around trauma, staying safe, and grief, all supported by qualified counsellors, helping young people to navigate these issues.

As of August 2024, there have been approximately 83 recorded homicide deaths due to violent crime in London. This figure reflects a broader trend, including significant increases in knife crime and other violent offences. Since 2016, London has seen a 38% rise in knife crimes, making violent crime a major issue in the city’s ongoing efforts to ensure public safety. Not only does this tragically mean many lives are cut short, but it leaves countless children, parents, brothers, and sisters grieving and enduring the ongoing effects of losing a loved one in this way.

We need your support to help us carry out this important work. Unfortunately, this is a widespread problem, and many families do not receive the support needed to navigate such a devastating journey. Too many young people are also losing their peers without support in place through schools, colleges, or educational institutions. Our programme will support these young people.

Thank you in advance for your support.