2wish, the charity which offers support to families affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 and under, has opened two new bereavement rooms in the ICU unit at Morriston Hospital in Swansea.
The rooms have been refurbished and fitted out with new furniture, providing a safe sanctuary for families who have suffered a bereavement at the hospital, thanks to the help of Tonypandy-based EBM Group and Space Group, from Gloucester.
EBM Group owner Gethin Edwards is himself a bereaved uncle and his family was supported by 2wish at their time of need. He saw this as his way of giving back and helping others who have been through what his own family has.
Gethin said: “I had to witness the traumatic moment my brother and his wife were told the heart-wrenching news that no parent wants to hear about their 13-year-old son, my nephew. They received bereavement boxes from 2Wish and their support and counselling has been a constant source of comfort to them.
Gethin added: “In business, it is easy to write a cheque or make a donation to charity. By making a commitment to help the charity deliver bereavement rooms, this is my way of giving back.”
Rebecca Williams, Senior Nurse at Morriston Hospital’s ICU, said a space like this is vital for families who have gone through the trauma of losing a loved one suddenly.
She said: “We now have a calm and peaceful space for relatives to relax during some of the most difficult times.”
Ricardo Goncalves from the ITU Outreach Team added: “The space has been completely transformed, providing a real escape from the clinical environment.”
2wish founder Rhian Mannings MBE said she is grateful to EBM Group and Space Group for helping refurbish the rooms to make them a place of comfort in a time of distress.
She said: “Families facing difficult times need to be able to sit together in non-clinical surroundings with access to the loved one that has passed away. We are so grateful to have the generous support of these companies. By working together with such companies, hospital staff and families, we have created a place that we know will help so many.”
Ian Bidmead, Managing Director of Space Group, explained why his company supports 2wish: “Space Group is delighted to support another refurbishment of two ITU rooms at Morriston Hospital. The work that the team at 2wish carry out to support families during their darkest time, as well as the help and training given to hospital staff is truly inspiring, and it’s a charity that Space is very proud to support in whatever way we can.”
2wish, which offers support to families affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 and under, has supported 7,300 people in total across England and Wales during their time of need. Working hand in hand with organisations such as the Police, NHS Wales and Organ Donation Wales, it provides support to make sure that no family is missed. Across every Emergency Unit and Critical Care Unit in Wales there are now immediate support pathways in place.
The charity, which recently expanded into England, provides immediate casework support, as well as ongoing aftercare services including counselling, alternative therapies, play therapy, support groups, residential weekend and monthly events.
2wish was founded in 2012 by Rhian after she and her husband Paul experienced the heartache of losing their baby son, George. They left the hospital heartbroken, confused and bewildered with no support. Five days later, consumed with grief, Paul took his own life. There was no support available, and she and her children felt completely alone and so she set up 2wish to ensure that there is help available for any families going through a similar experience.
It has already opened bereavement rooms in The Grange, Cwmbran, Nevil Hall Hospital in Abergavenny and one at the Royal Gwent in Newport. It has plans to create more at Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr and Glangwilli Hospital in West Wales.
