Last month, a group of our team spent the day volunteering with Nelson’s Journey, supporting the charity as they prepared for their annual Walk of Smiles event.
Nelson’s Journey provides vital support to children and young people across Norfolk who have experienced the death of someone important to them. Their work helps families navigate grief through a range of tailored support services and activities designed to encourage emotional expression and resilience.
In the build-up to the event, the team spent the day helping with a variety of practical outdoor tasks, including checking the walking route, cutting back overgrown bushes, and putting up gazebos ready for the following day. With temperatures reaching around 30°C at the start of the heatwave, conditions were challenging at times, but everyone got stuck in to ensure everything was ready for participants.
Alongside the practical work, the team also had the opportunity to spend time with one of Nelson’s Journey’s support workers, who shared more about the charity’s work and the ways in which they support children and young people through bereavement. It was particularly inspiring to hear about the creative and supportive approaches used to help children explore and express their emotions during difficult times.
Accounts and Tax Assistant, Chelsea Secker, said:
“It was a really rewarding day and it was great to be able to support Nelson’s Journey in such a hands-on way ahead of their Walk of Smiles. Despite the heat, everyone worked together really well and there was a real sense of team spirit throughout the day.
Hearing more about the work the charity does was incredibly powerful, and it was a privilege to play even a small part in helping them prepare for such an important event.”
Volunteer days like these provide a valuable opportunity to support local charities in a practical and meaningful way, while also gaining a deeper understanding of the impact they have on individuals and families in our community.
Thank you to everyone at Nelson’s Journey for welcoming the team, and for the vital support you continue to provide to families across Norfolk.