100S PAY TRIBUTE TO CHARLEY, 14 AFTER SUDDEN DEATH
Youngsters are being offered bereavement counselling
Floral tributes left at the Discovery Academy in Bentilee.
MORE than 200 people have paid their respects to a 14-yearold pupil at the Discovery Academy in Bentilee after she died suddenly.
Described as a ‘little firecracker’, Charley Pointon, below, has left a hole in people’s hearts following her tragic death.
Pupils of the Discovery Drive secondary school were invited to pay tribute to their fellow classmate. Some students’ parents and other members of the community including PCSOS paid homage to the Bucknall girl and sent their condolences to Charley’s family and to the school.
The Dove Service, a charity which offers bereavement counselling and support was also in attendance to offer its hand to struggling students, staff and anyone in need of its services. Tea and coffee as well as a buffet was put on by catering staff, whilst other teachers and support staff also paid their respects to the teenager.
Lucas Mosedale is a pupil at the school and said: “I went to the same school as Charley but I’m in the year below. I’ve come to pay my respects. I think school will be different and there’ll be changes when we’re back in next week, especially changes around bullying.”
A former pupil added: “I used to go to this school until I was moved. I’m the same age as Charley and we used to be in some classes together. She was a nice girl who never hurt anyone.”
One parent said: “My son goes to the school and he’s the same age as Charley. It’s devastating. People deal with grief in different ways; some cry, some get angry, some close themselves off from everything.”
A spokesperson from The Dove Service said: “Following the sudden death of Charley, counsellors from the Dove Service are providing a safe space at her school, the Discovery Academy, for those affected and impacted to explore what can be overwhelming and frightening feelings and emotions.
“The sudden or unexpected death of a child is something that no-one can ever be prepared for. Loved ones may feel shock and numbness initially, and the death of a child at any age is a death out of time and devastating for all families and wider communities.
“Talking to someone can help children and families understand that whatever their reaction to the death, it is a normal response. It can also help children and adults identify their own strengths and resilience in order to cope with the realisation that we will have changed as a person and our life may not ever be the same again.
“Although we want to protect children and young people by taking away any pain and heartache it is important that we help children express their feelings. It is important for young people to have a support network around them and the Dove Service who have a long standing relationship with the Discovery Academy will provide ongoing support through support groups and counselling in the coming weeks and months.
“Everyone from the Dove Service would like to send their deepest sympathies to Charley’s family, friends and teachers at this difficult time.” ■ For anyone wanting support please contact the Dove Service on 01782 683153 or visit our website www.thedoveservice. org.uk.