Daisy’s Dream marks 30 years supporting bereaved children and young people

The Berkshire charity is expanding its support for children facing bereavement, helping more families navigate grief through tailored sessions, group activities and specialist guidance.

Childhood should be full of happy memories with loved ones, but for some children, far sadder experiences shape their formative years.

Thirteen-year-old Jake tragically lost his mum after she was given just two months to live, while Elsa, aged 10, lost her younger sister in a tragic accident.

Jake and Elsa are just two of the children supported by Daisy’s Dream, a local charity providing vital help to children and young people in Berkshire who have experienced bereavement or are preparing for the loss of someone close to them.

The charity’s dedicated team of Therapeutic Practitioners ensures each family receives individually tailored support through some of life’s toughest times.

Children are helped to talk about their experiences, develop coping strategies, feel less isolated and face the future with greater confidence. Through one-to-one sessions, sibling and group activities, and parent focus groups, children and families can find a sense of belonging when they need it most.

Activities range from making memory jars and remembrance boards to family days out, giving children a safe, supportive space to work through their loss while having opportunities simply to enjoy being children.

This year, Daisy’s Dream is celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of supporting bereaved children and young people across its local communities.

Fundraising and Engagement Officer Jade Sim said: “This year, we are celebrating our 30th anniversary, that’s 30 years of supporting children and young people and 30 years of making a real difference within our local communities.

“Just last year we were awarded Charity of the Year at the 2025 Pride of Reading Awards, we have more recently been nominated for a BBC Make a Difference Award 2026 in the Community Group Award category. This award recognises a group of people who have helped to genuinely change the lives of others within their community, so to be shortlisted is a huge honour for everyone at Daisy’s Dream.”

Since moving to Lower Earley, Daisy’s Dream has significantly developed its group programme. It now offers dedicated groups for teenagers, children who have lost a sibling and those who have no memories of the loved one they have lost. Regular catch-ups are also available for parents of bereaved children.

The charity additionally provides training for school staff, equipping them with the language and practical tools to support bereaved children in their care.

Earlier this year, Daisy’s Dream launched its Youth Ambassadors programme, involving young people who have previously received support from the charity in the co-design and delivery of services. The initiative gives them the opportunity to offer understanding, a listening ear and hope to other children experiencing grief.

The charity has also been chosen by Squire’s Garden Centre at Hare Hatch as its Charity of the Year, providing another opportunity to raise awareness and support its work.

Jade added: “All our services, groups and events are provided completely free of charge to bereaved families and that is why support from local businesses and our community are so important to us.”

More at daisysdream.org.uk.

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