Funeral Service Times August 2017 October 2018 | Page 28

28 YOUR STORY Winston’s Wish Sacha Richardson – Winston’s Wish director of family services Talk me through your career history My experience of working in a voluntary role in self-development and support after university led me to decide to train as a psychotherapist. I completed my training at the same time as starting work for a bereavement charity, based in Leicester. I worked there for more than 20 years in a variety of roles, starting as a counsellor and leaving as the director of therapeutic services. I was passionate about developing our services for bereaved children and as part of my own learning and development, I trained as a volunteer at Winston’s Wish and helped with a residential group in 1996. So, I was delighted and excited to take up the role of director of family services at Winston’s Wish 20 years later. In between those times, I spent seven years as chair of the Childhood Bereavement Network and I feel privileged to have worked with so many committed, caring, creative and child- centred people for such a long time. Could you tell me a little about the charity? Winston’s Wish was founded in 1992 by Julie Stokes OBE and was the UK’s first childhood bereavement charity. We offer the widest range of practical support and guidance to bereaved children, their families and professionals via therapeutic help in individual and group settings, a Freephone National Helpline, online support, publications and training. What do you enjoy most about your role? I really enjoy being directly involved in our work with children and families, though, I don’t often have the time to do as much of this as I would like. It is always uplifting and motivating to hear and see how well children and families can cope when they are given the support and information they MARCH 2018 need. Similarly, I enjoy spending time with individual colleagues and teams, especially as we work together to grow and develop our service. I feel very lucky that collectively there is a shared ethos and sense of purpose which connects everyone in the organisation. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I have always found that physical activity is a vital way for me to relax, de-stress and maintain my well-being. I love skiing, when I get the chance, but more regularly I practice yoga, play tennis, go to the gym and enjoy walks in nature. I also enjoy spending time with my children, who are both now young adults. What does the future hold? At Winston’s Wish we are continually looking to find ways to extend our reach and support for bereaved children. Our plans include Developing and expanding our • face-to-face services so that we can meet with more children and families. Raising awareness about our Freephone National Helpline 08088 020 021. This already receives around 6,000 calls a year from parents, carers and professionals. We know that many families still do not receive the information and support that they need. Finding new ways to provide support using the internet, we will be piloting a chat helpline in the autumn and we are committed to developing more online methods of support. As with any charity, every year we face the challenge of raising the money that will enable us to do all that we would like to provide hope to grieving children. • • Telephone: [phone] Email: [email protected] Website: www.winstonswish.org www.funeralservicetimes.co.uk