Child bereavement centre marks 35th anniversary

Nicola Stanyon was supported by the centre after her toddler son Raphael died

A purpose-built child bereavement centre which has supported more than 10,000 families has marked its 35th anniversary.

The Alder Centre, based at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, opened its doors in 1989.

It was set up by parents and health care professionals who identified a gap in the services available to families following the death of a child.

Nicola Stanyon lost her son, Raphael in 2023 and told BBC Radio Merseyside the centre staff were "incredibly supportive".

Counsellor Waseema Shaikh said the centre enabled bereaved families to "realise there is a connectedness in grief"

Ms Stanyon, from Southport, said Raphael was "a beautiful charismatic little boy".

He was just a few weeks from his second birthday when he died in 2023.

Ms Stanyon said she and her family had benefited from counselling at the centre, along with "really practical tips about being honest and what to say" in supporting Raphael's older brother.

She said the centre ran activities for children so they could spend time with other people who have lost their siblings.

"Losing a child you feel so alone and then actually you come here and you have a cup of tea and a piece of cake and you talk to other people that have been through something similar," she added.

Diane Barrett, whose 17-year-old son Ryan died seven years ago, said counselling at the centre had enabled her to volunteer by meeting and greeting people.

“This makes me feel totally normal," she said.

“I make teas, coffee, if people want to chat they can talk to me.

“A lot of parents open up. We talk about our kids. I show them around the centre and tell them about the things going on."

Counsellor Waseema Shaikh said the centre was important because "people can come together in that feeling of isolation and realise there is a connectedness in grief too".

Boss Simon Riley said the service was expanding to support bereaved families across the country

Head of the centre Simon Riley said: “We offer that welcoming sense that place of place sanctuary of coming in and finding some peace and understanding.”

In terms of future plans, the centre is expanding nationwide in terms of developing its telephone and video support.

He said they also have volunteers across the country working on their child death helpline, whereby people can ring up and get immediate support.

The Alder Centre offers its services to anyone affected by the death of a child, including adult children.

Staff and volunteers marked its 35th anniversary by opening its doors to the public.