A CHARITY supporting bereaved children is appealing to businesses and the community to help set up a new hub in Wiltshire.

Wiltshire Treehouse is hoping to open a second set of doors to children who have lost a parent, but the team need further funding to make the expansion a reality.

The charity has so far received funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, and now needs the support of local businesses, as well as volunteers to join the projects.

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The nearest Wiltshire Treehouse base is currently Swindon, and the next addition to Wiltshire is hoped to be up and running later this year.

Darren, whose child attended the family support programme, said: "For us the power of being in a room of like-minded people was simply invaluable.

"Our little boy still speaks about Treehouse now; the stories that he read with the group and the arts and crafts that he still has stuck up on his wall which are a reminder of the skills he learnt to process his grief.”

Kath Brownlee, the charity's bereavement service leader said: “We often receive calls from parents and professionals in Wiltshire, looking for help for a child whose parent, sibling or close family member has died.

"These deaths can cause anger, anxiety and great sadness for children and young people, and parents don’t know who to turn to. Up until now we’ve had to explain that we don’t have the capacity to help them.”

For more information contact Kath on 0749 350 9750 or admin@wiltshiretreehouse.org.uk