Calderdale charities work together to improve access to counselling and bereavement support
and live on Freeview channel 276
The Nick Smith Foundation was set up after Nick, from Lightcliffe near Halifax, died five years ago just 101 days after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
One of the aims of his friends and family who founded the registered charity was to boost support for Calderdale children facing the death of a parent, something Nick’s wife Rachel struggled to access with their children Hadyn and Georgia, who were aged five and two when he died.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe Foundation will end on its fifth anniversary in early 2023 and after Trustees have chosen to support Overgate because they wanted to support a sustainable and respected service offering counselling and bereavement support to the Calderdale and West Yorkshire community.
Tracey Wilcocks, Director of Clinical Services at Overgate Hospice, said: “This funding will allow us to increase our internal capacity, which will reduce waiting times, and support will be offered in an appropriate and timely manner.
“There’s an urgent need to improve access to bereavement services across Calderdale, and to ensure that people who have been bereaved are not ignored or left isolated.”
Nick’s wife Rachel Smith said: “Five years ago, when Nick died, we struggled to access counselling and bereavement support, particularly for our young children. We have been determined ever since to invest in services that change that, and we know how respected Overgate is for this and so many other things in our community.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“The money we have raised is thanks to efforts from so many people doing amazing things and donating incredibly generously, and we know the Hospice and its team will ensure the money we are investing with them will make a real difference for individuals and their families who are facing the worst possible news both today and long into the future.”
In a message to supporters of the Nick Smith Foundation, Overgate Hospice’s Tracey Wilcocks, added: “Your kindness and generosity will enable us to continue caring for those in our community, at a time when they need us the most, for that we feel very privileged, and we would like to sincerely thank you.”