Guernsey celebrates a decade of the Sunflower Project

Saturday, 6 July 2024 00:00

Islanders are invited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the bereavement charity, the Sunflower Project with a special event.

From yoga to arts and crafts to princess meet and greets and live entertainment, Guernsey is getting stuck into honouring the charity supporting young islanders through bereavement.

Everyone is invited to the event in the Market Square from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm on 6 July 2024.

The Sunflower Project offers children and young people one-to-one support sessions and early intervention for families who are suffering the loss of someone near and dear.

Children who have lost a parent or sibling are also invited to monthly clubs, residential weekends and fun activities, whilst other family members are offered advice and information on how to cope with loss.

A local family who received support from the Sunflower Project says it helped them through one of the hardest things a young family will ever go through – the loss of a parent.

"The support the team gave us was amazing and connecting with people who have been through similar situations has been invaluable. We are very grateful for everything the team has done to support us."

The project began as the Sunflower Trust was founded, in memory of 10-year-old Megan Fuller, who lost her battle with cancer, in 1995.

Megan's mother, Mary Fuller, ran the charity and devoted her time and energy to helping other families going through a similar experience.

Young People Guernsey (now known as the Youth Commission) then picked up the charity and branded it the 'Sunflower Project' in 2014.

Youth Commission CEO, Lou Leale, says the Sunflower Project is a service that has made a profound impact on the lives of many, including my own children.

"During an incredibly emotional time, the support they provided was invaluable, helping my children process their loss and find a path forward.

"We are really excited to be celebrating the 10th Anniversary."