WHEN THERE ARE NO WORDS, BORROW OURS
For many people, Mother’s Day is a celebration.
But for thousands of young people across the UK, it can be one of the hardest days of the year, a painful reminder of the mum they have lost.
This Mother’s Day, we’re asking you to stand with young people navigating the loss of a parent so no one has to face grief alone.
Inspired by the wonderfully creative young people we work with, this campaign is a reminder that while many will be celebrating next Sunday, others will be carrying a grief that deserves understanding, compassion, and support.
You can help make sure they don’t face it alone.
Help Young People Grieve With Support
Apart of Me supports young people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. A donation today means more young people can access the guidance, community, and compassion they deserve. Please consider making a gift today.
For a bereaved young person:
£10 could fund support materials including our Grief Booklets helping them make sense of their loss and find a way forward.
£50 could fund the materials for a creative art project or remembrance event, providing them with a safe space to express their grief and honour the memory of a loved one.
£130 could fund an in-school session with a professional grief facilitator providing them with the space to share, heal and feel less alone.
£400 could fund six months dedicated support through our Guide Me in-school programme, helping them to rebuild lost confidences and find hope for the future.
Whatever you are able to give will make a real and lasting difference to young people managing the emotional loss of a parent.
Cards designed by young people
for young people
This unique card collection was created by young people who know what loss feels like, for young people living with the loss of a parent every day.
When words feel impossible, these messages can help.
Each card was designed to offer understanding, kindness, and connection on days that can feel especially difficult.
A percentage of every card sold supports Apart of Me, helping us reach more young people who need support.
Michelle’s story
"My mum was gentle, creative, and open-minded, more like my best friend than my mum. I could tell her anything. She was an artist, like her own mum, and had a unique job as an antique china restorer, one of the best in the country. I remember her workshop was a treasure trove of paints, tools, and old artefacts. She worked from home, so she was always around, until she wasn’t. I was nineteen when she died. It happened so fast that it felt like a blur and a shock. The adults around me, including mum, hadn't felt able to tell me the truth. I knew she was unwell, but talk of treatments and trials gave me false hope. It happened very fast and, by the time I really knew what was happening, she was already gone. I felt blindsided, robbed of the chance to say goodbye.
I know how important it is for young people to know the truth, however painful, so they can process loss as it happens. Grief feels like a kaleidoscope of emotions, twisting and shifting. It leaves a scar that never fades, but you can build a good, full life around it. Every change, new hobby, trip away or offer of support helps you breathe again. The future without someone you love can feel unbearable, but focusing on just one day, even one moment, makes it easier. Some days you’ll stay in bed; others you’ll walk, cry, shout. Mum loved to dance with me and my sister, so favourite songs and dancing keeps us connected. However you get through it, it’s okay. Just focus on now and do it your way."
Michelle's story is not unusual. An estimated 46,300 young people (under age 18) lose a parent every year (equivalent to 127 every day) meaning thousands of young people throughout the UK are carrying a grief that most of us will never fully understand. Grief that can, without support, negatively impact their mental health, engagement with education, personal relationships and future opportunities.
Stay Connected
Supporting grieving young people takes a community.
If you’d like to hear how this campaign unfolds, learn about future creative projects with young people, and see the difference your support makes, sign up for updates from Apart of Me.
We’ll share stories, resources, and ways you can help young people feel less alone in grief.
A moment of reflection
We are delighted to be bringing the campaign to life in person, with a special pop-up installation featuring in selected offices of our charity partner in the week leading up to Mother's Day. Created by Elizabeth Melinek , the pop-up offers a meaningful and visible reminder of the support available to bereaved young people during what can be a particularly difficult time of year.
Thank you to Thortful, Monks & Elizabeth
