Anyone with children who makes a call to claim, due to a death or terminal illness, on an Ageas YourLife Plan, Ageas Low Start or Ageas Real Life Cover policy, will now have access to bereavement support if they choose.

Winston’s Wish is a UK charity offering practical support and guidance to bereaved children, young people and their families.

The new added-value service will be dependant on the needs of the children and remaining parent or carer and can range from advice over the phone to one to one support sessions and residential courses, as long as they can provide Winston’s Wish with the relevant policy details.

Steve Casey, head of marketing and propositions at Ageas Protect, said: “This partnership is one that we are very proud to include in our policies. Whether it’s a sudden death or a more chronic illness, the remaining parent or guardian is often so struck by their own grief that supporting their grieving children in an effective way can seem entirely overwhelming.

“Winston’s Wish can now pass on their guidance and expertise to the families of Ageas Protect customers to help them rebuild their lives for a positive future.”

Catherine Ind, CEO of Winston’s Wish, added: “Many people may not know that there is assistance and bereavement support specifically for children. Children can grieve in an altogether different way to adults. They may face a powerful range of confusing and conflicting emotions which, if bottled up, can affect their school work, relationships and self-esteem.

“By linking directly with Ageas Protect, we will be able to reach out to more children and young people who have been bereaved.”