Eclipse Child Bereavement Service was founded in April 2008 and has run from its’ base with Wildwood Church at the Gateway for over 10 years.

The vision and passion for this service has come from Crystal Johnson and she has been its primary and senior grief support worker throughout this time.  She reduced her hours of work in March 2017 and has now reached the difficult decision that it is time to move on.  She has brought a unique set of skills, drive, enthusiasm and commitment to this demanding work, teaching others as well as supporting children directly.  She has been an inspiration to many and will be greatly missed.

Sadly with Crystal moving on it has been necessary to plan for the closure of the Eclipse service in a manner which prioritises the needs of the children who are currently being supported.

Clearly Crystal and her longstanding colleague, Jennie Barlow, (who provides support for a small number of pupils), are committed to the youngsters currently receiving support. However they have taken no new referrals since September 2018 and any newly-referred children up to that date have been provided with a limited period of support. Eclipse will finally cease by the end of March 2019.

Winston’s Wish supports grieving children and has a national helpline for parents, carers and professionals 08088 020 021 www.winstonswish.org

The Dove Service provides Counselling and Support in North Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent www.doveservice.org.uk