Reflecting on Three Decades of Support – Sharing Stories
30 years of Penhaligon’s Friends: Bereaved families in Cornwall describe early grief support as a ‘lifeline’
Penhaligon’s Friends has supported 13,291 children and young people across the county since it was formed in 1995.
As we reflect on three decades of support, we will be sharing stories from young adults who say accessing grief support early in life was a ‘lifeline’.
The charity was formed 30 years ago after a bereavement forum of organisations working with children identified the lack of child-centred bereavement services in Cornwall. Penhaligon’s Friends was created to address this gap and ensure children and young people under 18 receive the right support.
Penhaligon’s Friends has seen a growing demand over the years and has supported 1104 children and young people across Cornwall during 2024/25. In the past year, 64 children and young people were referred to the charity following a bereavement by suspected suicide.
Jordana, now 25, who lost her dad when she was 14, says support as a teenager helped her understand and process complex emotions around grief.
Watch Jordana’s video below:
The charity supports children and young people at any point in their grief journey, with some young people experiencing support immediately after, and others getting support later in childhood.
Julie Parker, CEO of Penhaligon’s Friends, said: “Since 1995, we have provided crucial support, advice and guidance to thousands of Cornish children and young people as they navigate a challenging time in their lives. We’re proud to walk alongside them for however long they need us.
“We are honoured to tell powerful stories from brave young adults and would like to invite anyone else who has been supported by Penhaligon’s Friends in the past to share their stories with us. Hearing feedback from young people helps us shape our support for years to come and make sure families are supported in the best way for them.”
Penhaligon’s Friends supports children, young people and their families living in Cornwall when they need it and in a way that’s right for them, through telephone information and advice, home visits, family visits, memory days, support groups, training, school support and one-to-one work.