Suicide bereavement charity awarded Covid-19 Action Fund Grant

Published: 21 May 2020

A charity that supports families and individuals who have lost loved ones as a result of suicide has been awarded a grant to help it through the Coronavirus outbreak. 

Pete’s Dragons – Devon’s specialist suicide bereavement charity – has been given £1,500 by the Exeter COVID-19 Community Action Fund. The money will allow the charity to carry on supporting people across Exeter in coming to terms with bereavement as a result of suicide. Typically, each death can affect between 20 and 60 people.  

Sarah Elliott, of Pete’s Dragons, said the charity had suffered financial loss as a result of sporting and fundraising events being cancelled because of the virus. The charity is still able to offer a service at arm’s length via Zoom, Skype and Facetime, as well as via email and telephone calls. 

Sarah said the charity supports all types of people across Exeter, including vulnerable children and adults, elderly, young families, people living alone, people with disabilities, those with learning disabilities, sensory impairment, the vulnerably housed and cultural groups.

“Having someone who is dedicated to listening, normalising and supporting for one hour a week to someone who is under pressure and isolated is priceless and extremely powerful,” she added. 

Since it was set up in March, the Action Fund has awarded over £93,000 to 60 groups or charities across Exeter. The £1 million Fund is being run by Exeter City Council as part of the Exeter Community Wellbeing initiative and is supported by Exeter Chiefs Foundation.

Among the latest groups to receive a grant are:

• Hikmat Devon CIC - £1,000 towards Providing online and telephone support as well as a shopping service to individuals and families from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds including refugees and asylum seekers, victims of modern slavery and domestic violence, migrant workers and post-graduate students unable to return home.
• Double Elephant Print Workshop - £1,000 towards the creation of an online digital engagement printmaking project providing stimulating and creative activities for people for all ages and backgrounds