Charity spotlight: 2wish

“When a child or young person dies suddenly, the impact is devastating and far reaching. It affects families, friends, communities and the professionals involved. My role at 2wish is to ensure that no one has to face that journey alone.” – Lisa Caradine

Before joining 2wish, I worked as a funeral director for six years. During that time, I supported many bereaved families and witnessed firsthand how overwhelming the days following a sudden loss can be.

While that role was incredibly meaningful, I wanted to focus more directly on providing emotional support to bereaved parents at their most vulnerable time. The role at 2wish offered me the opportunity to use my experience and knowledge in a more immediate and personal way.

At the time, 2wish was still developing its presence in the Bristol area and I was drawn to the opportunity to help raise awareness of the charity locally and build strong relationships with partner agencies and professionals. This helped ensure families knew where to turn for support.

As an Immediate Support Coordinator, I provide immediate emotional support to individuals affected by the sudden death of a child or young person. A key part of my role is giving people space to talk about their child, their experiences and their feelings in a way that feels right for them.

I also help bring clarity around difficult processes such as child death review procedures, post mortems and inquests. Supporting individuals to understand what is happening can make an overwhelming situation feel more manageable.

Practical support is equally important. I help individuals navigate next steps and link in with other organisations for specialist support, including legal guidance where needed, so that no one feels they have to manage everything alone.

Memory making is a particularly meaningful part of my role. I provide memory boxes and support families to create keepsakes such as handprints or personal items. These moments can be incredibly emotional but are often deeply valued and cherished in the years to come.

Alongside direct family support, I also deliver awareness training to professionals and promote the work of 2wish across Avon and Somerset.

There is no such thing as a typical day. If a referral comes in, this always takes priority. I review all available information and make initial contact to introduce myself, explain the support available and talk through next steps, including the offer of a home visit.

Every family’s needs are different, so support is always led by the individuals themselves. Home visits may involve one person or several family members and offer time to talk, ask questions and discuss memory making options when they feel ready.

On other days, I may be delivering awareness training, attending community events or supporting families at peer support groups and informal coffee mornings.

Supporting people during the first days and weeks after a bereavement can be incredibly emotional. Being alongside individuals experiencing such profound loss requires compassion, emotional resilience and care.

To support staff, 2wish has strong wellbeing structures in place. These include daily debriefs, peer support and regular supervision, as well as dedicated training focused on maintaining our own wellbeing. Outside of work, I make time for walks and fresh air, which helps me reset.

The most rewarding part of my role is being able to make a positive difference at the very worst time in someone’s life. Helping people feel heard, supported and less alone during unimaginable circumstances is a privilege.

Knowing that the care and compassion we provide can ease even a small part of someone’s journey makes this work incredibly meaningful.

I like to walk and get out in nature. Being by the sea is so good for the soul! Mostly, I like to spend time with friends and family.

To find out more about 2wish please see their website here.

If you have concerns about the circumstances of the death of a child or young person please see our fatal claim pages here.