Generali UK has partnered with UK childhood bereavement charity Winston’s Wish.

The partnership will offer grief and bereavement support to the employees – and their children – of Generali UK’s Group Life and Group Income Protection policyholders.

Winston’s Wish helps children, teenagers and young adults, up to the age of 25, find their feet after their world has been turned upside down by grief.

According to UK parliamentary research, around one in 29 children have experienced the death of a parent or sibling.

HELPLINE

From 1 January 2025, a dedicated helpline becomes available to all young adult employees of Generali UK’s Group Life and Group Income Protection policyholders. And, also, directly to dependent children of employees, or to employees wishing to support a dependent child.

Key benefits include:

• Access to a bereavement support worker to answer any immediate concerns and assess the need for further support or a referral.
• If more support is required, this will be provided through digital and remote services via the helpline, live chat, email, or online 1:1 or group support.

“Bereaved children and young people need to know that they are not alone with their grief and that support is available”

Louisa Hancox, head of philanthropy and partnerships at Winston’s Wish, said: “The death of someone important to a child can affect their physical, and mental wellbeing, sometimes with significant lifelong consequences. Often, the impact extends beyond the loss itself to include all the additional changes it brings, such as adjustments to family routines, new childcare arrangements, or even moving house or school.

“Bereaved children and young people need to know that they are not alone with their grief and that support is available. We are delighted to partner with Generali UK Employee Benefits, to help bring our support to more bereaved children and young adults who are struggling with their grief.”

Jo Enright, senior business development manager, Generali UK Employee Benefits, added: “We’re really thrilled to be announcing this partnership. Winston’s Wish is an amazing charity and we’re honoured to partner with them to help extend this essential service to more grieving families.

“The statistics speak for themselves when it comes to the need for such support. The one in 29 figure quoted here equates to roughly one child per school class in the UK. So, this will undoubtedly touch many workplaces.

“Bereavement counselling and support can help support children to understand and come to terms with their loss; to develop a language that shapes their grief experience.”