Just a few weeks into her new role with Milton Keynes children’s bereavement charity Harry’s Rainbow, Trudie Bird is already busy bringing an already well-known name to the attention of a wider audience.
The purpose of the newly created Community Liaison Officer role is to develop strong links with community-based organisations and groups, enabling the charity to showcase its work and ensure more people are aware of the support available.
Harry’s Rainbow provides support, counselling, fun activities, holiday and memory boxes for children who have lost a sibling or parent. With fundraising events going on all year round, the charity’s name is a familiar one, but there are still children who could benefit from help that aren’t receiving it.
Trudie, who lost her own son, Harry James, when he was a baby, said: “Harry’s Rainbow is incredibly close to my heart. I understand how vital it is for families to feel supported during such difficult times and part of that is to help the charity expand its reach across more communities.
“I’ll be reaching out to children’s groups, community centres, churches, police and ambulance etc and focusing on building awareness, strengthening partnerships and connecting with the organisations and professionals who may encounter bereaved children and families.”
Trudie is no stranger to working with charities and volunteering, having been a Community Champion under a programme organised by The Co-op, as well as serving as a school governor at a school for children with special needs, and volunteering in sports, specifically cycling, to encourage inclusion and opportunity for people of all ages and abilities.
Her work saw her awarded the British Empire Medal in 2019 for services to the community. “That’s something that meant so much to me, it was a privilege and I was so proud to receive it,” said Trudie. “I came to charity work when I was ready, a few years after I lost my son, and it was a real turning point for me.
“When I was looking for a new role and was doing my research, I came across Harry’s Rainbow. It was a charity I knew from my days as a Community Champion, but when I looked into it, I was blown away by what it does.
“Families deal with bereavement in their own way and seeking help from an organisation like Harry’s Rainbow might be some way down the line, but one of the most important things we can do, at whatever stage, is show bereaved children that they are not alone – that there are other children who know and understand exactly how they feel.”
As she becomes a familiar face at community events, groups, businesses and organisations across the region, Trudie is keen to spark more conversations around grief and bereavement support. She is encouraging event organisers, businesses and community groups to get in touch if they would like Harry’s Rainbow represented at events or would like to learn more about the charity’s services.
“I’d be more than happy to come along, have a stand at an event, or give a talk to a group or meeting about what we do,” she said. “The more people who understand the support available, the more children we can help.”
To find out more information, visit their website.
