Above (left): Odette Mould, Founder of local charity Harry’s Rainbow and her team, accepting the cheque from Councillor Mick Legg
Milton Keynes City Council has stepped in to ensure a charity for recently bereaved children is receiving a £11,600 boost thanks to a national scheme which recycles metal left behind after cremations.
Milton Keynes-based Harry’s Rainbow helps children, young people and young adults cope with the challenges they face following the loss of a parent. The charity provides short breaks at their Rainbow Retreat that foster connection and positive memories for families plus groups, trips, activities, therapeutic mentoring and other resources.
When a bereaved family gives permission, the city council works with the ICCM (The Institute of Cemetery and Cremation Management) to raise funds from the sale of metals recovered after cremations at Crownhill Crematorium. The metals come from items such as medical implants and artificial joints.
MK City Council has nominated Harry’s Rainbow to be the latest recipient of funding raised through the scheme. This brings the total donated to local charities through metal recycling to more than £52,000 since 2014.
“We are really grateful to accept this donation which will support 17 bereaved children for a year of accessing our services, which include groups and a short break to the Rainbow Retreat. Receiving it during Children's Grief Awareness Week, makes it even more poignant.”
“This scheme means we’ve been able to provide a boost to Harry’s Rainbow who do so much to support local families and particularly young people struggling with bereavement. We couldn’t participate in the scheme if it wasn’t for the kindness of those families who give us their permission. This funding is shared in the memory of their loved ones, with our heartfelt gratitude.
During my mayoral year I saw close up the amazing work everybody at Harry’s Rainbow does and the impact it has on the families who access the service. It is one of the more satisfying roles in being a cabinet member that we are able to support this work to continue to help bereaved families.”
Each year more than 150 recently bereaved local children register to access support from Harry’s Rainbow. Statistics show that by the age of 16, around 1 in 20 young people will have experienced the death of one or both of their parents. To learn more about Harry’s Rainbow and the support they offer to local families, visit: https://harrysrainbow.co.uk