Forces families release balloons in memory of lost loved ones
M
embers of SSAFA’s Bereaved Families Support Group have released hundreds of
balloons in memory of loved ones lost through military service.
The act of remembrance took place during a special memorial service at Loughborough’s Carillon and War Memorial on Saturday, October 11, which also saw the families lay a wreath and children lay special artwork they created for the event. It was part of a weekend programme of events.
The national meeting brought together more than 200 family members who have lost loved ones both in conflict and through accident or illness. The group gives families the opportunity to meet others in a similar situation and support each other. It also offers more tailored support sessions for children, siblings and, for the first time, fathers, along with wellbeing sessions.
Helen Perry’s son Lance Corporal Michael Pritchard of the 4th Regiment Royal Military
www.raf-ff.org.uk
Police was killed in Afghanistan on December 20, 2009. Helen, who is chair of the Bereaved Families Support Group, said: “The group is a vital source of support for families. Often it is only those who have been through similar experiences who really understand how you feel. We can help and support each other through the grieving process. With British troops preparing to leave Afghanistan it is important that we remember those who won’t be coming home. For the families the weeks leading up to Remembrance can be a particularly difficult time and the memorial balloon release is our way of remembering those we have lost.”
Robert Templeton, SSAFA Director Health & Social Care Operations UK, said: “The SSAFA Bereaved Families Support Group was established by the families themselves and creates opportunities for mutual support whether a death occurred in a combat or non-combat situation. Everybody deals with tragedy and trauma in different ways and we don’t claim to have all the answers, but these groups provide families with a safe, confidential and independent environment
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where they can share information, advice and mutual support.”
For further information go to
www.ssafa.org.uk
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