What makes "You're Not Alone" distinct is its authenticity. The entire concept, content, and artwork was developed directly by the young participants in the charity's Forest Project workshops. This ensures the booklet speaks honestly and relatably to the complex experience of childhood grief.

Sam Barlow, Founder and Chief Officer of Fitmums & Friends, highlighted the young people's insight, “The national 'Just Say Something' campaign urges people to break the silence around grief, but often adults don't know what to say to a grieving child. Our young people recognised this gap. They realised that the most helpful words and feelings are those that come from someone who truly understands what they are going through, another child. This booklet is their powerful message that, even in the deepest sorrow, they are not alone."

The booklet’s launch comes at a crucial time. Figures from the Childhood Bereavement Network estimate that around 1 in 29 children in the UK, equating to roughly one child in every classroom, has been bereaved of a parent or sibling.

Despite this clear need, support for grieving children is often patchy. Due to chronic underfunding and stretched resources, many schools report feeling ill-equipped to provide the necessary help, leaving children vulnerable and isolated. Fitmums and Friends is stepping into this gap, providing a much-needed peer-led resource to help ensure every child struggling with loss has a voice and a pathway to healing.