Dawn Thomas has been welcomed to the Sandy Bear team as a new Assistant Bereavement Practitioner. Dawn joins at an important time as the charity continues to grow with the increased demand for the support for bereaved children, young people and their families. Dawn will work directly with the families within her new role.
Previously, Dawn has worked within the Hywel Dda University Health Board for 24-years with her most recent role being a Palliative Care Play Specialist for the last five years. Her experience has allowed her to work with children and young people for the majority of her career where she has developed the ability to gain the trust and respect, and build relationships quickly, with the families that she supports.
This role, Assistant Bereavement Practitioner, has been funded by BBC Children in Need Main Grant of £65,000, over a period of three years. The role is also further funded by Pembrokeshire County Council who have provided 50% match funding for the role.
Dawn says:
“Having volunteered with Sandy Bear many years ago I am delighted to now be a part of this fabulous charity supporting bereaved children and young people in Pembrokeshire. I am looking forward to learning new skills and to also bring my knowledge to help children and young people improve their own emotional health and resilience.”
Anita Hicks and Karen Codd, Co-Founders and Clinical Leads at Sandy Bear says:
“We are extremely fortunate to have recruited Dawn into the Sandy Bear team. We are sure that her skills and knowledge will be greatly valued by both the families and staff. We would also like to thank BBC Children in Need and Pembrokeshire County Council for continuing to fund this post to allow us to support more children, young people and their families after a loved one has died.”
James Bird, Impact Manager at BBC Children in Need said:
“We’re thrilled to continue funding Sandy Bear – the project provides a space in the local community where children and young people can have honest and open discussions, in a safe space where they can feel at ease and supported. We can’t wait to see how BBC Children in Need funding will continue to make a difference to young lives in the area and support their overall wellbeing.”
