Child bereavement support charities Child Bereavement UK and Winston’s Wish are to merge.

The decision has been backed by Child Bereavement UK patron of the last 16 years Prince William.

The royal said he has “seen the growing need for support of this kind, and it is because of this increasing demand that I am delighted that Child Bereavement UK and Winston’s Wish are joining forces to expand their impact”.

He added: “They have recognised that together they can do so much more, and I commend them both for taking this bold step to reach more people and help to reduce the long-term challenges that unresolved grief can cause.”

The merged charity will offer bereavement support for young people up to 25, parent and families and training for professionals across the UK.

It will retain the Child Bereavement UK name and its chief executive will be Fergus Crow, who holds the same role at Winston’s Wish.

“The merger is a strategic partnership built on a vision of growth, expansion and opportunity,” said Child Bereavement UK chair Alexander Fitzgibbons.

“Together, we can reach further, giving a stronger voice to bereaved children, young people, parents and families across the UK.”

Winston’s Wish chair Liz Gratton added: “Combining our expertise, networks, and resources to address issues with greater impact and efficiency will allow us to deliver new projects, expand reach, and serve a broader demographic of bereaved communities that neither organisation could achieve alone.

Ahead of the merger both organisations will continue to deliver their respective services.

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