New space to support children experiencing bereavement unveiled in grounds of Rawdon Crematorium

Wednesday, 5 February 2020 16:00

A new space designed to help children express their feelings regarding grief and bereavement has been introduced in the baby garden at Rawdon Crematorium.

Working in partnership with stillbirth and neonatal death charity Sands to support children during times of grief, Leeds City Council has introduced a number of installations in the grounds of the crematorium, including a granite badger and a specially made post box.

Children sometimes struggle to show their feelings, emotion or understanding when faced with a bereavement and often find it easier to write their feelings down. The post box will allow them to post letters to people they have lost, in a quiet area which will offer the chance for thought and reflection.

Sands Charity operate throughout the UK, supporting those affected by the death of a baby, while also working to improve care for the bereaved and promoting research to reduce the loss of babies' lives.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council's executive member for environment and active lifestyles, said: "During times of grief and bereavement, children can sometimes find it difficult to express how they feel. Working in partnership with Sands, we wanted to find a way to turn part of the crematorium grounds into a place which could help children think about and share how they feel.

"The introduction of the new quiet space in the baby garden, which includes granite made-child friendly characters and a post box where children can post letters to those who have passed, helps provide this opportunity, and I would like to personally thank Sands for their support on this project."

More from Local and National News

Appeal After Burglary

Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglary at a property in Bradford.
Have your say and help to build stronger communities in Calderdale

People in Calderdale are being asked to share their thoughts about how they feel connected to their local neighbourhood and the wider Calderdale area
Bradford to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day

Bradford City Hall is to be lit up in red, white, and blue on Thursday 6 June to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
New bridge and new routes now open as project progresses

The new link road on the A629 south of Halifax is now open, as part of work to improve the flow of traffic and make it easier to walk, cycle or take public transport.
City presents Windrush pioneer with prestigious Leeds Award

one of the nation’s last surviving HMT Empire Windrush passengers and the city’s only remaining Caribbean Second World War serviceman received the Leeds Award in a ceremony at the Civic Hall.
More Than 10,000 Arrests Made By Team Dedicated To Reducing Violent Crime

A specialist team working to reduce violent crime has started a New Year by passing a new milestone after making more than 10,000 arrests.
Plate expectations as historic registration could be up for sale

A unique gift exchanged by two former Lord Mayors of Leeds more than 120 years ago could be about to help the city with unprecedented budget challenges.
Calderdale: Celebrating over 350 years of service at Council

Fourteen Calderdale Council employees have been recognised for a combined total of over 350 years of service at an event at Halifax Town Hall on Thursday 26 October.
Activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage sentenced

A group of activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage to a service station on the M25 has been sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Friday (27 October)
Appeal Following Collision and Death of Man in Otley, Leeds

Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision in Leeds in which a man later died.
Vehicle involved in fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire seized by Bradford Council

A vehicle involved in multiple incidences of fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire has been seized by Bradford Council.
Anti-social behaviour funding boost in Clitheroe, Colne and Darwen

As part of the county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB) Lancashire Constabulary and Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden have announced a further eight areas set to benefit from additional resources to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Lancashire.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm
Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm
Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.
Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.