Compassionate Boxes introduced in North Wales to support grieving families
Families in North Wales will now receive Compassionate Boxes when personal belongings of loved ones who have died suddenly are returned, following a new initiative between North Wales Police and Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin.
Traditionally clothing or personal items from victims of incidents like road traffic collisions may have been returned in bags or containers. The new scheme aims to offer a more sensitive and dignified alternative.
The boxes, sourced from a Devon-based organisation, contain the deceased’s belongings as well as thoughtful items designed to provide comfort, including a poem, knitted hearts, a lavender bag, and a memory box label. Children’s boxes also include knitted teddies and a coloured ribbon.
The idea was first developed after the death of Chris Wale in Devon in 2023, when his family sought to create a more compassionate way of returning effects.
When his daughter, Nichola, went to collect his belongings, they were handed to her in a plastic shopping bag and she wanted to change this. Together with Theresa Murphy, a trained bereavement counsellor, and the support of the wider community, this has grown into a source of support for families across the UK.
The boxes are given free of charge to organisations that request them, though donations are welcome, and the team behind the initiative fundraise all year to pay for the boxes.
“I am pleased that Compassionate Boxes are being introduced in North Wales. I hope they will show care and concern for grieving families at a devastating time,” said Andy Dunbobbin, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales.
“I well understand the feeling of being overwhelmed and upset when a family member loses their life, in whatever circumstance they might pass.
“It is vital families and next of kin know that the policing family cares about them and their welfare. Treating their loved one’s effects with dignity and compassion is an important part of this process.
“I would like to thank the organisers of Compassionate Boxes for creating this initiative and the officers of North Wales Police for bringing the idea to our region.
“I hope it will bring a great deal of comfort to members of our community when they need it most.”
Theresa Murphy from Compassionate Boxes, said: “In the quietest moments of grief, Compassionate Boxes arrive not just with care, but with the message that no one should face loss alone.”
DC Donna Vernon from North Wales Police added: “It is vital that Police Force take the time to think about how personal belongings are returned to loved ones, sensitively and with dignity. I am sure the Compassionate Boxes will make a huge difference to families in North Wales.”
Compassionate Boxes are available to individuals who have lost a loved one, as well as police, prisons, and hospitals who need to return personal belongings with care, and chaplains, social workers, and bereavement teams who support grieving families. Boxes are available for adults and children, and all are non-denominational.
To learn more about Compassionate Boxes, visit: www.compassionateboxes.co.uk
Check live fuel prices near you before you set off.
Spotted something? Got a story? Email news (@) deeside.com
NEW: Add Deeside.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Latest News
