BLOG: Morrisons makes a difference

When a young child is facing the loss of a parent, it’s so important to communicate with them in a sensitive, age-appropriate way – it can make a big difference to the way they process what’s happening and come to terms with their loss in the longer term.

So it was wonderful when the Morrisons Foundation recently donated £20,000 towards St Luke’s Patches programme, which sees us come alongside families in this very difficult situation.

Having heard about Lisa Carter, our dedicated Patches Family and Children’s Support Worker (Patches being the cute Koi carp character who’s become a familiar face at our specialist unit at Turnchapel), the Foundation was moved to make a difference.

Since the Patches programme launched last November, Lisa has supported over 50 children, such is the demand for this service. She often uses arts and crafts activities to help open up conversation with the children, and the youngsters enjoy using the Patches activity book as well as following the Patches trail.

Angela Millin, Community Champion at Morrisons in Plymstock, said: “Having lost my own mother when I was a very young child, I know just how important this support is. To be able to help with our donation gives us a heart-warming feeling.”