On the day that Benedict died, his parents left hospital holding a pile of his clothes and the corner of a notepad that someone had written the number of a police officer on. That corner of a notepad was, and remains, the full extent of support offered to the newly bereaved family when their beloved child has died.
Although there were national charities, many didn’t operate in the Peterborough and Stamford area, and many bereavement services felt unable to support parents who had experienced such a significant and devastating loss. Six months after Benedict died, his parents and other bereaved siblings and families set up BALM, an organisation that supports parents, siblings, grandparents and carers after the death of a child of any age.
BALM provides a comprehensive online directory of support available in the Peterborough and Stamford locality, they run support groups, events and provide telephone listening support via Peterborough and District Samaritans. BALM has also provided funding for play therapy and counselling for locally bereaved siblings.
For more information, visit www.balm.support or email hello@balm.support.
