Stand-by-me Bereavement Support is celebrating the success of its first Stronger Together Through… Activity Days programme, with the inaugural event, Stronger Together Through Music, delivered in partnership with iRock School of Music.

The fully funded event brought together bereaved children aged 7–11 for a day of music, creativity and connection, giving them the opportunity to play contemporary instruments, perform as part of a band and enjoy positive shared experiences with other children who understand the impact of bereavement.

The day also welcomed Anna Rankin, High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, who spent time meeting the children, volunteers and staff, learning more about Stand-by-me's work and seeing first-hand how creative activities can help bereaved children build confidence, develop resilience and form lasting friendships.

The Music Activity Day marks the launch of Stand-by-me's new Stronger Together Through… Activity Days programme, developed in response to feedback from the children and young people the charity supports. While the charity's therapeutic groupwork remains at the heart of its services, these activity days provide additional opportunities for bereaved children to connect with others, discover new interests, build confidence and create positive memories in a safe, supportive environment.

This is the first of a growing programme of experiences, with future Stronger Together Through… Activity Days already planned in partnership with local organisations, including golf, tennis, art and other activities designed to support emotional wellbeing while encouraging children and young people to try something new.

"As part of the iRock amplified charity event we were proud to partner with Stand-by-me for a musical workshop for a day which ended with a concert performance for all involved. The day was filled with fun, laughter and fantastic music and we all hope this is the start of a fantastic collaboration that can continue to help and support those who would benefit from it for many years to come." - Zac Campbell - iRock School of Music

"I had the most wonderful afternoon visiting - and learning about - this incredible charity.

Stand-by-me are able to jump in and help children navigate their grief in a safe and understanding environment following the loss of a loved one.

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An absolutely brilliant and essential service.." - Anna Rankin, High Sheriff of Hertfordshire

"The launch of our Stronger Together Through… Activity Days programme is an exciting milestone for Stand-by-me. These activity days complement our therapeutic support by helping bereaved children build confidence, make new friendships and create positive memories in a safe and understanding environment. We're incredibly grateful to iRock for helping bring this vision to life and look forward to working with more organisations that share our commitment to supporting bereaved children and young people." - Carol Read, Chair of Trustees at Stand-by-me Bereavement Support.

As the Stronger Together Through… Activity Days programme continues to grow, Stand-by-me is inviting businesses, clubs and community organisations to partner with the charity to help create inspiring experiences for bereaved children and young people across Hertfordshire.

By working together, partners can make a lasting difference, helping bereaved children build confidence, develop new skills, connect with others and create positive memories that support them on their bereavement journey.

For more information about the Stronger Together Through… Activity Days programme or partnership opportunities, please contact Stand-by-me Bereavement Support at [email protected].