Appeal for funding and helpers for local bereavement project

Lynne Collie is offering children in Angus the chance to have one free session to talk about their experience in a safe space with her and they will also be able to choose one of the hand-knitted bears that she and other local knitters in the area are kindly donating to the scheme.

Lynne has been working for a charity in Aberdeenshire providing bereavement support sessions to young people and with Lynne’s guidance, develop ways of dealing with their emotions.

Lynne said: “I listen to their story and together we work through fun exercises to enable them to view their world in a more positive way.”

She added: “I’ve been privileged to work with different client groups and I’ve provided a therapy service to charities such as MND Scotland, The MS Society, Angus Carers and Future Choices where I have met people who have inspired me with their courage and resilience.”

Lynne is no stranger to acts of kindness that make use of her creative talents. She said: “I enjoy making things to give out to people who are feeling low. My crafts are given out to people who may be experiencing a bumpy journey in life to let them know someone is thinking of them.”

Lynne’s current project Memory Bears is now taking shape and her wish is that every child in Angus who has suffered a bereavement will receive a hand-made bear and one free session to talk about their experience. With limited resources, Lynne is only able to deliver the bears in the immediate vicinity, but hopes to attract funding from local businesses to help with postage costs. Lynne would also like to encourage more knitters to join her in creating the bears.

“I’d love to start a knitting group that also brings us together as a community, knowing we’re doing something good”

If you are interested in getting involved with the knitting of the bears or if you would like to help with funding in the project, please contact Lynne by email on [email protected]

Or, if you know of a child that might benefit from receiving a bear, please get in touch through the Memory Bears Facebook page or by emailing Lynne on the address above.