As we mark our first year of providing support in England, we invite you to celebrate with us by seeking out rainbows and stars in your everyday surroundings.
Whether you create them through art, discover them in nature, or notice them in unexpected places, take a moment to capture their beauty.
Share your photos with us using the hashtag #forourstars and we’ll feature them on our social media as a powerful reminder of hope, resilience and strength for others during the darkest times.
27 February marks a significant milestone for us at 2wish, as we celebrate our first year of delivering vital support services in England. Over the past 12 months, we have extended our services to 201 families and approximately 928 individuals across Cheshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, and Avon & Somerset.
Since expanding into England on 27 February 2024, we have provided essential support to families navigating the devastating experience of child loss. This includes counselling, complementary therapy, and play therapy. Additionally, we have organised 47 coffee mornings and nine support events, such as a canal boat trip and a glass workshop, to foster community and healing among bereaved families.
Beyond supporting families, we have also delivered awareness training to 2,717 individuals and provided assistance to 55 professionals affected by the sudden death of a child or young person under 25. Working in collaboration with 18 hospitals and four police forces across England, we have played a crucial role in establishing immediate support pathways for those in need. One-third of the families we support have been referred directly from hospitals, while one-fifth have come through referrals from police officers.
2wish was founded in 2012 by Rhian Mannings MBE, following the tragic loss of her baby son, George. In the aftermath of his passing, Rhian and her husband Paul found themselves without the crucial support they desperately needed. Five days later, consumed by grief, Paul took his own life. Determined to ensure that no other family would have to endure such loss without support, Rhian launched 2wish to create immediate and accessible bereavement care pathways. Today, these services are available across all Emergency Units and Critical Care Units in Wales, and now, through our expansion, in England as well.
“We are so proud to have been able to extend our support to local communities in England. We’ve been able to provide vital services that not only help families navigate this heartbreaking and difficult time but also raise awareness about the realities of child loss. The response we’ve received from the families and professionals we’ve worked with has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s clear that these services are making a real difference.”
We remain dedicated to further expanding our services to reach more families, professionals and anyone else in need. As we continue to grow, our commitment to ensuring no family faces the heartbreak of child loss alone remains at the heart of our mission.
You can spot us out and about at various locations from the 24th to 28th February 2025. Join us to share in the celebrations as we reflect on a momentous year, providing support in England for those affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
For general enquiries please use the form below, or to make a referral contact [email protected]
