“My father died when I was ten. I came home from school and was told my father had died in an operation. Nothing was talked about at all. It was after the war and that’s what it was like then.

I’m passionate about helping families talk. This is my tenth year volunteering with the Hospice’s children’s team. I support children and families pre and post bereavement. It’s amazing how you can help children in their play or just by speaking with them. Even if they’re angry – they learn it’s okay to be angry. It’s how you deal with and direct it. I try and instil that it’s okay to be cross or scared. We can help you with it.

A child may learn to ask their parent questions. It might upset a parent, but if the parent can be upset and cry with them that’s so healthy. The parent often doesn’t want to say things because it might upset the child. We try to help parents and children feel comfortable with each other, asking questions, crying together.

I really like working in the Sunshine [Art] Room at the Hospice, everything’s available when you’re assessing a child’s needs. Whether we’re reading a story, playing a game, or doing some artwork we’re talking all the time.  Sometimes over time, you’ll notice a child changing. We get to see the positive effect of our sessions.”