Can you buy a book for a stranger this Christmas?

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Our annual Christmas Campaign enables you to 'Buy A Book for a Stranger' when we invite you to purchase a book for someone (an adult) who will find themselves in the Queen Victoria Hospital on Christmas Day.

This year we are extending that to work with Children via the charity, Jigsaw, who support children and young people before, during and after a bereavement.

You can either come and choose a wrapped book from The Bookshop (as many of you have kindly done in previous years), or you can give via the buttons below and we will organise the books. The Jigsaw books come from a carefully curated list which the charity have put together, and which will be on display in the run up to Christmas.

There will be plenty of 'brown paper packages tied up with string' in the shop - so you can buy them as gifts for yourself, as well as for the hospital!

Jigsaw (South East) is an East Grinstead based charity, supporting children and young people before, during and after a bereavement in Sussex, Surrey and West Kent. We’re a small charity with a big heart, and a vision to ensure that no child or young person faces bereavement alone. Our unique service is tailored to meet the needs of the families we support, in person, on the phone or online. Jigsaw helps families cope with their grief and rebuild their lives, one piece at a time.

Over the past year, we have supported over 600 children and young people. We don't receive any government funding so need to raise vital funds to ensure we support every family that needs us.

Reading books about death and loss can help a child better understand what has happened and realise they are not alone. Books can also help children understand complex feelings, explain the facts and permanence of death, or even help children connect with memories of their lost loved one.

By supporting this campaign you will be buying some of our recommended books in order to pass them on to Jigsaw to support local children and young people who are facing or coping with the death of a loved one. These books will be visible in The Bookshop window so you can have a look.

Thank you for all your support!