People urged to wear clothes inside out to raise awareness of childhood grief

People across Cornwall are being encouraged to wear an item of clothing inside out this month to raise awareness of childhood bereavement.

Penhaligon's Friends, which supports bereaved children and young people up to the age of 18, is launching its first Inside Out Day during Children's Grief Awareness Week, from 16 to 21 November.

Schools, businesses, organisations and individuals are being invited to take part on any day during the week.

The campaign aims to highlight how children experiencing bereavement may appear very different on the outside from how they are feeling inside.

The charity says wearing clothing inside out is a simple way to encourage conversations about grief and remind young people that it is okay to express their feelings.

Rise in demand for support

Penhaligon's Friends supported 1,304 children and young people last year through its bereavement services.

It also provided additional support in 15 schools following critical incidents, including the death of a pupil or member of staff.

The charity's latest impact report revealed an 18% increase in support provided to bereaved children and young people compared with the previous year.

Megan Price, Fundraising and Communications Coordinator at Penhaligon's Friends, said the campaign was particularly timely following the introduction of education about death, dying and bereavement into the national curriculum.

"With around one child in every classroom sadly having experienced the death of a parent or sibling, we feel this is an important time to launch this campaign and encourage schools to get involved."

Encouraging conversations about grief

The charity is inviting participants to make a suggested donation of £1 to help fund its services, although raising awareness remains the main aim.

Megan added: "We would like to encourage people taking part to donate £1 each to help fund support services we provide but ultimately raise awareness about our work."

She said the charity hoped Inside Out Day would become an annual event, particularly in schools.

"We hope it'll be a visual opportunity to show families that support is there when they need it and in a way that's right for them."

Penhaligon's Friends says it is Cornwall's only dedicated childhood bereavement charity and relies on donations to provide free support to families, schools and communities.

Schools, businesses and other organisations wishing to take part can find out more here.