Organisations across the UK can now apply for grants of up to £10,000 for projects that help young people support each other during bereavement.
Grants are made available through Co-op Funeralcare ‘#iwill Fund’, where applications are open until 12pm on 3 April to apply.
Co-op said successful applicants should use funding for “social action projects that equip young people with the skills they need to provide peer support”. Grants could also help young people to use their experiences as a way to speak up and recommend how local services can help other bereaved young people.
The survey found that 16 to 29-year-olds are the age group most likely to bottle up grief, with just under a quarter (24%) saying they ‘kept it to themselves’ when suffering a bereavement.
Young people were also most likely to be left out of social arrangements because of bereavement.
Jim Cooke, head of Co-op Foundation, said: “As the Co-op’s charity, we’re delighted to be partnering with Co-op Funeralcare to provide grants through our #iwill Fund. Losing a close friend or family member is difficult at any age, and it can be particularly tough for young people who might be dealing with other pressures at home, at school or in their social lives.
“Helping others going through similar experiences is a great way for young people to build their confidence, skills and sense of belonging. And by recommending how others can support bereaved young people better, they can make a long-term difference for their peers.”
