Insurer in link with bereavement charity

John Ritchie, chief executive, said Ellipse has started an initiative with children’s bereavement charity Winston’s Wish and claimants will be given details of the charity’s national helpline service.

Ellipse will also make a donation to Winston’s Wish for every death claim handled, and has agreed to help sponsor the charity’s national programme of support for children bereaved through suicide.

Mr Ritchie said: “The financial benefits our policies provide help for the families and dependents of deceased scheme members, but bereavement throws up problems that no amount of money can solve.

“We do not have the skills in-house to provide therapeutic support so we are introducing our insured families to an organisation that does. Winston’s Wish is acknowledged to be the leader in its field, providing real practical help for bereaved families.”

He said the sponsorship will enable the charity to fund the cost of producing and distributing its publication, Beyond the Rough Rock – Supporting a Child Who Has Been Bereaved Through Suicide.

The book, which provides practical help and advice, will also be sent free to all parents or carers who phone the Winston’s Wish national helpline.

Ellipse’s sponsorship will contribute towards funding residential weekends for children, young people and families bereaved by suicide. The weekend allows families to meet others who have shared similar experiences.

Mel Kenny, adviser for London-based Radcliffe & Newlands, said: “This is such a good initiative. All charities need as much support as possible in these tough times, but this is an important charity for children as well as clearly being good reputationally for the insurer.”