Lewis Leap Sudden and Traumatic Bereavement Support Service

Cruse Scotland and Lewis Leap have collaborated over the last three years to develop a support service for people bereaved by a sudden and traumatic loss.

The Lewis Leap Sudden and Traumatic Bereavement Support Service is named after Lewis Johnson, who inspired and supported those around him. It has been shaped by those with lived experience, including some of Lewis’ family members.

This specialist support can be accessed via any existing Cruse Scotland routes:

·        Free Bereavement Helpline: 0808 802 6161 (Weekdays 9 am-8 pm, Weekends 10 am-2 pm)

·        GriefChat via www.crusescotland.org.uk  (Weekdays 9 am-9 pm)

·        Email: support@crusescotland.org.uk

Fiona Arnott-Barron, Cruse Scotland Chief Executive, said,

“We are delighted to launch this vital service after three years of hard work and collaboration with Lewis Leap. Having members of the Johnson family and many other bereaved people help us shape this support service, which has been extremely valuable in ensuring it will provide the most appropriate support at the right time.”

“Although Cruse Scotland had already taken some steps to address the gap in support for people struggling in the early days and weeks following a death, we knew there were still significant gaps for those who had been catapulted into a new and unwelcomed reality following an unexpected and traumatic death.”

“For those requiring support with their grief after such a sudden loss, Cruse Scotland is here, and I would like to thank the Johnson family sincerely for their support in making it possible.”

The charity, Lewis Leap, was founded following the tragic death of 13-year-old Lewis Johnson. His family wanted to honour the life and spirit of Lewis and help other families who, unfortunately, find themselves facing such a devastating loss.

Lewis’ mum, Elizabeth, said.

“The impact of Lewis’ death on our family and friends was overwhelming, and we struggled to process what had happened and why it had happened to us. We couldn’t find early support as a family and began to fundraise and work with Cruse Scotland to shape and deliver support for those in the early stages of grief who had experienced a sudden and traumatic death.”

“I’m so proud that the service is named after Lewis, as he was always so kind and generous to friends and strangers alike.  Through this service, his selfless spirit lives on.”

Picture: Signing the agreement between Cruse Scotland and Lewis Leap for this new service: Elizabeth Johnson (Lewis’ mum), Jane Cox (Cruse Scotland researcher and counsellor), Fiona Arnott-Barron (Cruse Scotland Chief Exec), Ian Johnson (Lewis’ dad).