Brand new ‘Bereavement Boxes’ have been launched as part of a pilot programme from South Ayrshire Council to help youngsters in the area who are dealing with the loss of a loved one.

The ‘Let’s Blether’ box was inspired by Ayr’s Gaby Williamson, alongside her brother, Findlay and sister, Poppy, after they lost their father during lockdown last year.

The boxes contain a range of items including practical advice and support strategies for children and parents; a journal; seeds to plant flowers in memory of a loved one; a book to help understand grief; a memory jar; activity sheets; as well as a directory for parents and guidance of how to use the box.

Schools will now be delivering ‘Let’s Blether’ boxes to children and young people who have suffered a recent bereavement, and pupils can be referred to receive a support box by their school.

Speaking about the launch of the boxes and her hard work that’s gone into making this possible, Gaby Williamson said: “I am absolutely delighted to see the idea of the Let’s Blether Box actually come to life.

“This is something that has been needed for such a long time and it is going to make such a difference to so many young children’s lives.

“From writing to Nicola Sturgeon at the beginning of the year, she put me in contact with people from the council and straight away they supported my idea.

“When they told me they would fund the project I was close to tears.To see this become a reality is something I’m very proud of, I couldn’t have done it without the council. In particular Jenny Corcoran, she sourced all the things inside the box and has been so supportive.

“The boxes will give children some support that they will need through grieving. Just to know someone is thinking of them, and wants to help can make all the difference. I’m so glad to finally launch them and can’t wait to see what the future holds for this project.”

Councillor William Grant, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People added: “I’m delighted that we are now offering further support to children and young people experiencing bereavement through the ‘Let’s Blether’ box.

“It’s inspiring that this idea was brought forward from a young person who has used her own experience to help others going through the same thing. I really hope this will make a difference to children and young people in their time of need.”

If you’d like to find out more about the boxes, you can contact your child’s school.