The new National Mikey Powell Memorial Family Fund (NMPMFF) Therapy Care Initiative Pilot was launched earlier this year. This was part of a National Lottery Community Fund (Awards for All) grant to NMPMFF to further the commitments from our Development Plans.

The Therapy Care Initiative Pilot, a 1-year programme was committed to identifying up to 10 recently bereaved UK families that required therapeutic support. To date, 39 traditional counselling or therapy sessions have been delivered to 5 UK-wide families, as well as up to 12 hours therapeutic respite (equivalent to 10 sessions) through short holiday breaks.

As part of our 'Families Matter, Caring Matters' fun day (taking place on 29 August 2026) a variety of vendors will also be providing group therapeutic activities including music, canvass art, aroma and reiki sessions, to the families present.

Why these events matters

This years 'Families Matter' event will be similar to our May 2023 Families Matter, Caring Matters fun day that was held in Manchester. The events are a form of therapy in themselves as families attending are never asked to re-tell what happened to their loved ones that died within the state system.

These events are always about relaxing, participating in fun, soothing activities, and just enjoying each others company, helping families, children and young people to heal.

Full report coming soon!

In late September we plan to publish our full report on the Therapy Care Intiative pilot and the Families Matter Fun Day.

The report will also include details of our advanced planning for the NMPMFF Gala Dinner & Campaigners Award event to be held in London on 21 November 2026.