Hospice supports World Book Day to help bereaved children

With World Book Day taking place this Thursday 7 March, book worms from across Bristol are being encouraged to pop into their local St Peter's Hospice shop to pick up some new reading material.

And with every 12 books purchased from one of the charity's 46 shops, the hospice will be able to continue supporting young children, who are coming to terms with the loss of a loved one at the hospice, by giving them specially written books which helps them cope with bereavement.

St Peter's Hospice cares for more than 2,670 patients each year and also offers support to family members. Many patients with life-limiting illnesses are parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles to small children and so the charity offers support from trained volunteers, chaplains and social workers who use materials like the books to help children deal with their grief.

Janet Loud head of shops at St Peter's Hospice says the impact these special books have on young children who are coming to terms with the passing of someone are vitally important and wants people across Bristol to not only pick up a bargain for themselves but help the hospice continue with this important line of work.

Janet said: "World Book Day is a great way for us to highlight some of the vital support work we do for those who have lost someone close. The books we give to the youngsters really helps them come to terms with what has happened in their lives and it's vital we continue to do so.

"We've got a fantastic variety of books from novels, biographies, cook books and coffee table books and every 12 we sell allows us to give two children one of these specially designed books.

"If you think about it that's the equivalent of buying one book a month but the impact it can have is huge. The average book we sell is just £1.25 so it won't break the bank but will make a huge difference."

To find your nearest St Peter's Hospice shop visit the website at www.stpetershospice.org.uk