We're still collecting donations
On the 29th June 2024 we'd raised £2,902 with 59 supporters in 28 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.
To continue providing adults in Hampshire & Isle of Wight low cost bereavement counselling, drop-in bereavement groups & weekly phone calls.
On the 29th June 2024 we'd raised £2,902 with 59 supporters in 28 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.
SAVE BUTTERFLIES BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT
The ethos of our charity is for everyone to be able to benefit from bereavement support in their time of need. Our constitution dictates that we provide low-cost or affordable counselling to all. It also dictates counselling free of charge must be available to those unable to donate. In our last financial year, one third of our clients received free bereavement counselling.
We also provide low-cost drop-in bereavement groups as well as offering a weekly telephone friendship service.
Our organisation is volunteer led, with all our trustees, counsellors, group-coordinators, and telephone buddies being volunteers. We have one part-time paid member of staff across an organisation of 60 volunteers (without whom the charity could not operate).
We also provide placements for qualifying counsellors completing their professional qualifications, with a majority opting to stay on as volunteers once they have finished.
EVERYBODY WILL FACE BEREAVEMENT, GRIEF, AND LOSS
Bereavement is one of the biggest challenges we can face, and it is a challenge we all face, at some stage. Grief comes in many forms, not just death, and can include things such as the loss of a pet, a job, or a relationship. Bereavement can be the front door to significant mental health issues in the future.
We know from experience that bereavement can be recent or historical, that it affects people of all ages and across the social spectrum. Nobody is exempt. The average age of our clients is 45, but ranges from 18 to 92.
KEEP BUTTERFLIES FLYING
The current financial situation has had a major impact on charities up and down the country. Hampshire has already lost one bereavement charity this year due to lack of grant funding. Butterflies has struggled over the past year to secure grants and this ongoing situation re: funding has left us in a challenging situation, resulting in this campaign.
We pride ourselves on having a relatively short waiting list compared to many mental health services. The more organisations like ours that close, the further waiting lists on surviving services go up.
Without the success of this campaign, Butterflies Bereavement Support will regretfully have to close in July.
WHAT WE AIM TO OFFER IN THE FUTURE
TESTIMONIALS
'I was widowed in July 2023 & I went to a Butterflies bereavement group a month later. The welcome & kindness shown to me was second to none.
Talking to the other members helped me enormously & they helped me understand why I felt the way I did.
Going each week is something I look forward to. If I’m having a bad day, the people I talk to help me greatly.' - B.A
'I want to express my gratitude for the support I am receiving in my grief. I also want to say that it's great to know that we can have support like this, I believe that many people feel the same, and having support is very important. Thank you for existing and doing a beautiful job' - K.A
'The whole Team are so friendly and welcoming. It has been amazing how my counselor has helped me to understand my grieve and pain.,she is wonderful .Sharon thank you so much and I look forward to my remaining sessions to learn more about myself and my coping abilities with my pain sadness and grief.' - O.D
#keepbutterfliesflying
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