A Norfolk charity for bereaved children held an open day at the Forum to raise awareness of the work it does across the county.

Norwich Evening News: The team from Nelson's Journey hold an open day at The Forum.Melissa Panetta posts a message to her dad, Bob, on the memorial wall.Picture by: Sonya DuncanThe team from Nelson's Journey hold an open day at The Forum.Melissa Panetta posts a message to her dad, Bob, on the memorial wall.Picture by: Sonya Duncan (Image: Archant norfolk)

Nelson's Journey, based in Norwich, was established 16 years ago to provide support for children living in Norfolk aged up to 17 who have experienced the death of an important person in their life.

The open day, offered the chance for people to meet and talk to staff, trustees and volunteers to find out more about the services provided by the charity and how they can get involved.

'We want to raise awareness for what Nelson's Journey does and how we can help people,' said Carol Plunkett, funding and marketing officer.

'For instance we work with the children therapeutically, and people often don't know what this means.'

Norwich Evening News: The team from Nelson's Journey hold an open day at The Forum.CEO Colin Lang completing his cycle challenge.Picture by: Sonya DuncanThe team from Nelson's Journey hold an open day at The Forum.CEO Colin Lang completing his cycle challenge.Picture by: Sonya Duncan (Image: Archant norfolk)

The charity offers one-to-one work with children, provides activity days and residential weekends where children can meet other young people who share similar experiences.

Stands around the Forum displayed activities the charity does with the children such as making memory bands and the way children can talk about their emotions by making things showing how they feel.

Youth panel members, made up of young volunteers or those who have used the service, were present to talk about what the charity does and means to them.

Megan Greaves, 14, who used Nelson's Journey services, said: 'I lost my dad when I was four and growing up until I was about nine.

'I was the only person I knew who had lost a parent.

'My older sister went to Nelson's Journey and when my mum thought I was old enough she sent me along too

'There I realised I wasn't the only person who had lost a parent and I didn't feel so isolated. I've been volunteering since I was 11, and it means I can help other people not just myself.'

• Have you volunteered to give back to a charity which helped you? Email locallife@archant.co.uk