WINSTON'S Wish, the leading childhood bereavement charity has received a donation from a Manchester company to enable the purchase of art therapy materials.

Law firm Shoosmiths was the charity's corporate partner for 2014/15 and the donation from its Manchester office will be used specifically for the north west team which operates in Leigh and Wigan.

The £150 donation will be used to buy materials for art therapy sessions, allowing children to express their emotions, feelings and memories through art.

Tina Woods, Senior Practitioner at Winston’s Wish, said: “Art therapy provides bereaved children and young people a space where they are able to explore and process their feelings and experiences following the death of a loved one.

"It enables children to express and communicate often painful feelings and traumatic experiences, which can be difficult to talk about directly, or where the words to describe these thoughts just can’t be used or found”.

Nicola Ellen, corporate responsibility consultant at Shoosmiths, added: “Whenever we fundraise or donate to a charity, we are always keen to understand how the money will be spent and therefore to know we can make a difference to the charity’s work is very satisfying. We hope the materials help Winston’s Wish to help bereaved children”.

Winston’s Wish offers the widest range of practical support and guidance on bereavement to children, their families and professionals following the death of mum, dad or a sibling.

Drop-in sessions are held weekly in Leigh and Wigan, and are open to anyone who would like to find out more about the charity or would like to meet with other people in relation to a bereavement.

Tuesday drop-in sessions are held from 11am-1pm at Compassion in Action, Patrick House, 58 Leigh Rd, Leigh, WN7 1QR.

Wednesday drop-in sessions are held from 3.30-5.30pm at Sunshine House, Wellington Street, Wigan, WN1 3SA.

The charity supports over 40,000 bereaved children and young people every year through an array of dedicated services.