Sunflower Project takes bereaved families on a trip to Herm

Thursday 03 September 2020

The Sunflower Project gave three bereaved families a day of fun in the Herm sun, after lockdown changed the usual outing from a spring weekend to a summer day trip.

The three families met at Travel Trident Quay on 24 August to collect their hoodies and wetsuits in preparation for the day ahead, provided by the Set Sail Trust.

Festivities began with a bacon breakfast at the Mermaid, before Outdoor Guernsey took the group to Shell Beach for some kayaking.

Denise Ozanne, from the Sunflower Project, was delighted by the "courage and determination" shown by the kayakers, some of whom had never been before.

“It was great to have some more confident youngsters ready to take risks and stretch themselves with some challenges,” she said. “By the end of the session I think everyone had got wet and had fun.

“The opportunity to challenge yourself and realise you can do things that are frightening gives a great sense of achievement. Seeing a seal was a bit of a bonus.”

Pictured: The hoodies given to the participants in this year's Sunflower Project Herm day out, supported by the Smile for Georgie Foundation.

In the afternoon the children took to the archery range, which was a chance to learn a new skill for some, and to show prowess for others.

The day’s activities ended back at the Mermaid with ice creams all-round.

“When you have lost a family member, it is really important to make new memories and find way to relax and have fun together,” said Jenny Le Prevost of the Smile for Georgie Foundation, which funded and assisted with the trip. “The Sunflower Project trip to Herm provides just such an opportunity which we are pleased to support.”

The annual trip is one of the many ways The Sunflower Project hopes to provide support to bereaved families and help them to relax and enjoy themselves.

Charlie Cox, CEO of the Youth Commission, said it's an important part of their calendar: “We are truly grateful to the Smile For Georgie Foundation for funding this event, and we really appreciate the generosity of the Herm Travel Trident for their contribution to the day."

Later this month, The Sunflower Project will host a residential weekend for 8-15-year olds to enjoy some therapeutic activities to help manage their loss, reduce their sense of isolation and build resilience.

If you would like to make a referral for a child who has lost a parent or sibling, you can contact Denise Ozanne, Bereavement Worker for the Sunflower Project, at the Youth Commission on 756099 or email info@youthcommission.gg.

Pictured top: Three families were taken on a day trip to Herm.