Malcolm Stewart
Co-ordinator, Grampian Child Bereavement Network
Grampian Child Bereavement Network (GCBN) is overseen by a board of 10 trustees and supported by 11 volunteers that supports children when they are bereaved.
The network provides a responder service whereby trained volunteers work directly with children and their families, offering support and guidance. They can refer children to counselling, signpost local and national services and provide a central point of referral for children who have been bereaved.
GCBN also provides information and support for parents, families, carers and professionals who are supporting a bereaved child or young person.
Malcolm Stewart co-ordinates this service, and his post is the only paid post in the organisation, funded in part by The ARCHIE Foundation.
Malcolm also arranges activity days, these days vary from craft making and keeping memories safe to dry ski slope tubing. All done so the children can enjoy a day away but also share their experiences with other people who have similar experiences, if they want to.
Malcolm’s role also includes the recruitment of volunteers for the charity.
The network also provides training for schools, teachers and other professionals, providing advice on how they can support children when a teacher or fellow pupils dies. Malcolm and the volunteers work closely with the police, too.