In the quiet corners of Northamptonshire, a small charity is making a profound impact, not just in the lives of grieving families, but in the way businesses and communities approach bereavement.
The Never Alone Project (TNAP), founded by Ilze Lee after enduring unimaginable personal loss, is a testament to what happens when compassion meets purpose.
This article, in collaboration with TC Group Business Advisors & Accountants, explores how Ilze and the charity are reshaping conversations around grief, and bridging the gap between compassionate care and professional resilience.
Ilze Lee’s journey began in heartbreak. Within months, she lost her father, her brother, and her children’s father. The grief was overwhelming, and the lack of accessible support made it harder still.
Searching for ways to help her children, Ilze co-authored Upside Down, Downside Up, a children’s book about loss, and trained as an Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist. What started as a personal mission quickly grew into a community movement.
The Never Alone Project was born out of necessity – a grassroots charity offering emotional and practical support to children, young people and their families navigating loss. From pet bereavement to pre-loss guidance, the charity’s services are as diverse as the people they serve.
TNAP’s growth has been guided by a clear strategy rooted in human need, and over time, this approach has shaped its services.
“We’ve always listened closely to what our community tells us they need,” said Ilze.
The charity launched a pilot mentoring programme to support young people coping with grief while managing the pressures faced at school – addressing the sometimes overlooked impact of bereavement on education. The pilot, funded by the Northamptonshire Community Foundation, has been well received, and TNAP will be seeking additional funding to ensure the continuation and expansion of the initiative.
Beyond direct support, The Never Alone Project also trains community leaders, teachers and employers on how to recognise and respond to grief, helping to extend the circle of care beyond the charity’s immediate reach.
Three leadership lessons
Ilze’s journey has also brought leadership insights that resonate far beyond the charity sector. Her experiences show how values-driven leadership can create lasting impact in both communities and workplaces.
- Purpose needs strategy: a powerful mission is not enough without a plan to scale sustainably.
- Values matter in recruitment: skills can be developed, but empathy, resilience and compassion are non-negotiable.
- Growth must be responsive: by listening first and building services around community needs, The Never Alone Project has earned trust and lasting impact.
Head of Brand, Creative & Culture
TC Group
Chris Dell, Head of Brand, Creative & Culture at TC Group said: “Ilze’s lessons remind us that leadership isn’t just about growth, it’s about creating workplaces where people feel valued and supported.
For employers, supporting team members through bereavement isn’t optional, it’s essential. When businesses combine compassion with practical support, they’re helping employees heal while building a stronger, more resilient organisation.”
TNAP’s workplace services include bereavement training, emotional support and referral pathways to help employers manage staff bereavement with empathy and professionalism.
Community engagement and corporate support
TNAP’s work continues to grow through community and business partnerships. Recently, the charity was chosen as Rushden Lakes’ Charity of the Year, marking a milestone in its local recognition. Their first event in September was a celebration, with TC Group volunteers lending their time to stalls, collections, and fundraising activities.
For TNAP, partnerships like these demonstrate how corporate supporters can extend the reach of a small charity while embedding compassion in their own values and culture.
Now in its fourth year, The Never Alone Project has ambitious plans for expansion. With backing from corporate supporters such as TC Group, it aims to build a model that blends heart and strategy, one that can be replicated across other regions and industries.
For TC Group, supporting TNAP’s more than corporate responsibility. It’s a reflection of its core values: distinctive, inclusive, courageous, progressive, and above all, caring.
And for the wider business community, it’s a call to action: to recognise grief not as a private burden, but as a shared human experience that deserves support, both personally and professionally. Through partnership opportunities, businesses can join TNAP in transforming how workplaces respond to grief.
To discuss partnership opportunities, bespoke training or corporate volunteering, email hello@tnap.co.uk To find out more about TNAP and to donate, visit the website here.
