Last week marked a significant milestone in our journey to ensure that no one faces the sudden and unexpected loss of a child or young person alone. Through our ‘Phase Two’ expansion, we visited communities across Merseyside, Wessex and the South West of England, strengthening our presence and deepening our commitment to supporting families in times of unimaginable grief. In February 2024, we made our first leap out of Wales, expanding our services to the bordering counties of Cheshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Avon & Somerset. This kicked off a 10 phased approach towards supporting anyone in the UK affected by sudden death in young people.
This latest expansion brings us one step closer to fulfilling our mission. It also follows a moment of national recognition, after Prince William’s deeply moving conversation with our founder and CEO, Rhian Mannings. The announcement of the Royal Foundation’s National Suicide Prevention Network, of which we are proud to be a part, has amplified our voice and united us with organisations across the UK working to prevent suicide and support those affected by it.
In Merseyside, our team began the week with school visits in Southport, Bedford and Kew Woods, where George, our mascot, helped open conversations around emotional wellbeing. We met with families and professionals at Bebington Library and hosted a professional coffee morning, bringing together key figures from across the region.
BBC Radio Merseyside featured our work in an interview with Paul Beasley, helping us reach a wider audience and the River of Light festival provided a vibrant platform for our awareness stall.
In Wessex, we held a professional coffee morning at Trago Lounge in Southampton, followed by a family coffee morning at Coffeelogy. Tea-light ceremonies at Winchester Cathedral and an awareness stand at St Mary’s Hospital on the Isle of Wight helped us connect with healthcare professionals and families in need of support.
We also engaged with the business community through events such as the Hampshire Business Show at the Utilita Bowl and networking sessions with local Chambers of Commerce. These relationships are vital as we build sustainable partnerships to support our work in the region.
In the South West, we gathered at The BLOCK in Plymouth for a professional coffee morning that brought together local leaders, supporters and families. A coastal path walk led by Libby Simmons symbolised the journey of grief and healing, while our volunteer and fundraising information evening at St Agnes Church opened doors for future engagement.
While our teams were out in newly expanded regions meeting families and professionals, our communications team worked to amplify the impact through regional press releases, social media coverage and radio advertising.
Alongside this, our partnerships team hosted an online lunch event to introduce 2wish to businesses and organisations in these areas. The session explored the support we provide to those facing sudden and unexpected loss, and how local partners can play a vital role in helping us make a real difference in the lives of those affected by unimaginable grief.
This expansion is not just about reaching new areas. It is about embedding ourselves within communities, listening to their needs and offering compassionate, timely support.
Rhian’s profound loss and the strength to turn grief into action continues to drive everything we do. Through this expansion, we honour George and Paul’s memory by ensuring that fewer people face this kind of loss alone, and that families and others affected across Merseyside, Wessex, and the South West now have access to the support they need and deserve.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us during launch week — whether in person, online or through media coverage. Together, we are building a future where no one faces loss alone.
A regular gift of just £2 a month helps 2wish continue providing vital support when it’s needed most.
Whether you’re interested in volunteering, fundraising, or hosting events, email [email protected] to explore ways to get involved.
We’d love to collaborate you and your organisation. Reach out to [email protected] to discover how we can work together.
27 October 2025
2wish Head Office
Unit 3, Sovereign Court
Sterling Drive
Llantrisant
Rhondda-Cynon-Taff
CF72 8YX
