Generali UK unveils partnership with child bereavement charity
As part of the partnership, Generali UK will make a dedicated helpline available to all young adult employees, commencing from 1 January 2025
Insurance firm Generali has announced a new partnership with the children and young people’s bereavement charity, Winston’s Wish, in the UK to offer grief and bereavement support to its employees – and their children.
The charity has found that 78% of 11 to 16-year-olds in the UK experience at least one of their close relatives or friends dying.
According to the Childhood Bereavement Network, it estimates that around one in 29 children have also experienced the death of a parent or sibling.
Winston’s Wish helps children, teenagers and young adults up to the age of 25 find their feet after “their world has been turned upside down” by grief.
As part of the partnership, Generali UK will make a dedicated helpline available to all young adult employees for its Group Life and Group Income Protection policyholders, commencing from 1 January 2025.
This helpline will also be available to dependent children of employees, or to employees wishing to support a dependent child.
Staff and under-25s will have access to a bereavement support worker to answer any immediate concerns and assess the need for further support or referral.
If more support is required, this will be provided through digital and remote services via the helpline, live chat, email, or online one-on-one or group support.
Louisa Hancox, head of philanthropy and partnerships at Winston’s Wish, said: “The death of someone important to a child can affect their physical, and mental wellbeing, sometimes with significant lifelong consequences. Often, the impact extends beyond the loss itself to include all the additional changes it brings.
“Bereaved children and young people need to know that they are not alone with their grief and that support is available. We are delighted to partner with Generali UK Employee Benefits, to help bring our support to more bereaved children and young adults who are struggling with their grief.”
Jo Enright, senior business development manager at Generali UK, added: “We’re really thrilled to be announcing this partnership. Winston’s Wish is an amazing charity and we’re honoured to partner with them to help extend this essential service to more grieving families.”
