A NEW support service for young people who have experienced the death of someone close to them has opened in Andover.

Simon Says has launched in the town following a need from families calling on the charity for bereavement help.

The organisation has teamed up with the Countess of Brecknock and will use space provided through the hospice’s redevelopment.

Simon Says was registered in 2001 following the death of 37-year-old Simon Stanley who died from cancer. His wife Sally found there was no bereavement support locally for their two sons.

The aim of the charity is to support children and young people in Hampshire, who have a close relative or friend who has died or is dying.

Georgie Pinchon, chief operating officer, said: “The most important thing for kids, maybe a young child, who has experienced the death of someone close to them, anyone significant to them, is having the opportunity to talk about their feelings and emotions.

“They can use the service as and when they need it up until they are 18. It is not intimidating, they come and do activities and have support to talk about what they are feeling.”

Simon Says runs 10 sessions a year, with a barbecue in August and a Christmas party in December.

Each session will be given a theme and those who attend will explore the subject through activities from writing poems, making keyrings for someone they love, drawing and bike rides. They are also given an activity to work on at home.

“For us it is about giving somewhere for local families to come and be with other people and have the support they need at a time of loss and grief,” added Georgie.

The service is completely volunteer driven and the Andover group will be led by Mary Curtis who has been involved with the charity for 18 months.

She said: “I am immensely proud to be heading up the group. It is important to the charity to open up to as many families in the area as we can.”

And the opening of the group on Saturday last week was a double celebration as the charity signed up its 100th volunteer.

Patron Sally Taylor, of BBC South Today, was on hand to mark the launch, along with families who use the service and other supporters.

To find out more about the new group, go to simonsays.org.uk or call 01794 323934.