Sector Spotlight: Sector Spotlight: Andy’s Angels

Tell us a bit about your organisation, how it started and what you do

Andy’s Angels is a UK-registered charity supporting children, young people, adults and families grieving the death of a loved one. Its mission is to provide welcoming, non-clinical spaces where people can connect with others who understand loss, helping to reduce the isolation that often comes with bereavement.

The charity was founded by Kayla Shepherd and her daughter Millie following the sudden death of Millie’s father, Andy, in September 2017.

As their own grief changed over time, Kayla found that support services often had long waiting lists and there were few places where bereaved children could simply spend time with others who understood. This inspired the idea for Andy’s Angels, which became a registered charity in June 2021 and opened its first Grief Play Café later that year.

Its services include:

• A free monthly Grief Play Café, with play, creative activities, refreshments, teenage spaces and quiet areas
• An Intergenerational Bereavement Choir for children aged seven and over, young people and adults
• Volunteer opportunities for people with experience of bereavement
• Grief resources, training and signposting to specialist support

Services are free, open without referral or waiting lists, and available regardless of how long ago someone died.

How are you helping the local community in Adur?

Although based in Worthing, Andy’s Angels welcomes bereaved families from across Adur and the wider South Coast.

By providing free and accessible support, the charity helps people feel less isolated, develop lasting peer connections and access compassionate support regardless of where they live.

What are some of your greatest achievements?

One major milestone was welcoming acclaimed West End and Broadway performer Kerry Ellis as the charity’s first Patron.

Kerry became involved after meeting Kayla and Millie at one of her performances.

She said: “I’m honoured to become a patron of Andy’s Angels. What Kayla and Millie have created is truly inspiring… Music and connection are such powerful tools for healing, and I’m thrilled to support the charity’s incredible work.”

Kerry helps champion the charity, raise awareness and support its Intergenerational Bereavement Choir.

Other achievements include securing National Lottery funding for the choir and performing with the D-Day Darlings at Worthing Pavilion.

What are some of the challenges you face?

Demand continues to grow, placing increasing pressure on our volunteers, resources and funding.

As a small charity, securing sustainable funding is essential if we are to keep our support free and accessible. Recruiting and training volunteers is also vital as we reach more families across Adur and the South Coast.

How has Adur Voluntary Action supported you?

Andy’s Angels has benefited from AVA’s networking opportunities, advice and connections with other local organisations.

This support has helped us raise awareness, build partnerships and strengthen our presence within the local voluntary sector. By bringing organisations together, AVA has helped us reach more bereaved children, young people and families.

What’s next for Andy’s Angels?

We plan to expand our Grief Play Café and Intergenerational Bereavement Choir, reach more families and recruit and train additional volunteers.

We will also continue building partnerships with schools, healthcare providers and community organisations so that anyone experiencing grief knows where to find support.

Above all, our goal is to ensure that no bereaved child, young person, adult or family has to face grief alone.

How can people get involved?

People can volunteer, help at events, offer their skills or become a fundraising champion. Donations, sponsorship and corporate partnerships also help us continue providing free bereavement support.

Schools, community groups and local businesses can also work with us to raise awareness of grief and the support available. Every contribution, whether time, expertise or funding, helps ensure that no one has to face bereavement alone.

Where can we find out more?

Web: andysangels.org.uk | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn