As Christmas approaches, we are asking our community to come together and support children and young people facing the heartbreak of life after the death of a loved one.

This time of year can be especially difficult for the families we support. At our dedicated bereavement centre in Trafford, we provide a safe, welcoming space where children can explore their emotions through play, creativity and conversation, helping them rebuild confidence and find moments of comfort when they need it most.

A brand-new downloadable Christmas resource has been created to help you easily get involved-whether you’re fundraising at work, organising a festive challenge, or simply spreading awareness online. Every action helps us be there for families when it matters most.

If you would like to make a donation instead, please click the donate button.

Thank you so much for your continued support.

We’re delighted to share the second edition of our Once Upon a Smile Newsletter!

This issue is full of updates, stories, and exciting news about what’s been happening at Sidley House and our impact this year. You’ll find a warm welcome from our team, a spotlight on one of our amazing supporters, and a sneak peek at upcoming events-including our Christmas Ball.

Most importantly, it shows the difference your kindness makes for bereaved children and families every single day. Thank you for your support.

Enjoy!

The language used when taking about death and dying to children can make such a difference in the way they process what has happened. Words can confuse children and potentially cause additional fears. Unless you know the family well and understand their circumstances, wishes and beliefs, we encourage you to keep things simple.

For anyone supporting a bereaved family, we urge you to consider the language you are using when having conversations.
We want everyone in our community to model safe and compassionate language so our children can begin to grieve in a healthy way.

With your help we can put out a powerful message to educate and encourage people to do what MATTERS.

Please remember

• Children often understand language and phrases much more literally than us adults!
• When we use clear, honest words about death, we help children make sense of their world, their grief and their feelings.
• Being honest with children about death and dying isn’t cruel-its kind.
• Clear words, safe spaces-that’s what children need when a loved one dies.

Such conversations may be difficult to have, please do reach out to us if you would like some guidance.

We’re delighted to announce that our annual Christmas Ball will take place on Saturday 13th December 2025 at the beautiful Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel.

Time: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Hosted by: Our charity co-founders, actors and best mates Danny Miller and Daniel Jillings
Tickets: £70 per person (minimum 2 tickets)
Tables available: 8, 10, or 12 guests

See our video of last year’s event below!

Guests will enjoy a delicious four-course meal, incredible live entertainment, and plenty of festive fun – all in support of the vital work we do with bereaved children and families across Greater Manchester.

This year’s event headline partner is Sentinel Security One Ltd. -Thank you to this business for their support!

Sponsorship opportunities are still available-a fantastic way for businesses to show their support while gaining visibility at one of our most exciting events of the year.

To secure your tickets/tables or discuss sponsorship, please contact us today by using the form below.

 

Join us this December for a day to remember, while helping us continue to bring smiles to those who need them most.

We’ve had another successful summer programme, bringing comfort, joy, and practical support to bereaved children and their families across Greater Manchester.

The packed summer schedule included our much-loved annual residential trip to the Children’s Adventure Farm, where children came together to make new friendships, enjoy muddy messy play, and take part in a range of outdoor activities.

Back at Sidley House, the Schools Out Summer Group created a safe, fun space for children to play, imagine, and share experiences together. Families also enjoyed unforgettable days out at Gulliver’s World and Manchester City Football Club, helping create happy memories at a difficult time.

Alongside these activities, the charity provided grocery vouchers and school uniform financial contributions, easing the pressure on families during the summer holidays.

We’ve provided:

• 5 activities over 6 weeks for children as young as 4.
• Supported over 180 bereaved children and their parents.
• Over 60 families supported through grocery contributions.

And seen an increase of referrals for our support from last year by 38%

We want to say a huge thanks to the BUPA Foundation and Cash for Kids for making these opportunities possible, ensuring children and families feel less alone and more supported during the summer.

Since 2004, Paul has been seeking out adventure, from travelling overland from Alaska to Argentina to summiting Nepal’s Mera Peak at 6,500m. This year, he set his sights on one of the toughest challenges on earth, reaching the base of K2, the world’s second-highest mountain.

Throughout the three-week expedition in Pakistan’s Karakoram range, Paul faced blistering heat, freezing nights, and the physical toll of 17 consecutive nights in a tent. At one of the toughest points on the Baltoro Glacier, illness struck-but Paul’s determination and resilience saw him through.

The highs were equally memorable: the awe-inspiring scenery of the Karakoram, the kindness of local people living in some of the harshest conditions on earth, and the simple yet remarkable meals cooked on a single gas hob. Standing before the towering face of K2, Paul described the moment as “a humbling reminder of how small our daily worries really are.”

As part of his challenge, Paul chose to support Once Upon a Smile.

Reflecting on the experience, Paul said the lessons of K2 will stay with him long after returning home. Now channeling those lessons, it’s proving that the mindset forged in the mountains is just as powerful in everyday life.

What a fantastic evening we had at our King Pins charity event!

Some of our incredible corporate supporters came together for a night of bowling, laughter, and friendly competition-all while raising vital funds for Once Upon a Smile. The lanes were full, the energy was high, and every strike (and gutter ball!) helped make a difference for bereaved children and families.

The winners of the tournament were:

First Place: Golden Pin Winner and ULTIMATE STRIKERS – Service Master

Second Place: LANE LEGENDS – GAME

Third Place: THE ALMOST-THERE ALLSTARS – Anchor Group

And participation awards to

• Keyteq
• Dan Arthur, Taurus Security Group

A huge thank you to our host venue King Pins and the amazing volunteers from BNY for running the tombola and our information stall within Trafford Palazzo during the day. And thank you to Taste and See for the delicious birthday cupcakes that added an extra sprinkle of sweetness to the evening!

To everyone who came along, donated, or got involved-thank you so much!

Keep an eye out for our next event-we’d love to see you there!

At the I Love MCR Awards 2025!

We’re absolutely thrilled to share that Once Upon a Smile has been shortlisted for Most Loved Charity at the I Love MCR Awards 2025!

These awards celebrate the people, organisations, and initiatives that make Greater Manchester such a special place — and we’re honoured to be recognised alongside so many incredible charities and causes.

This nomination means so much to us, and we’d love your support. If our work has touched you, your family, or your community, please take a moment to cast your vote. Every vote helps raise awareness of the support we provide to bereaved children and families across Greater Manchester.

Charity Marks Milestone with a Call for Community Support This Summer

This August, Once Upon a Smile, Greater Manchester’s only dedicated children’s bereavement charity, celebrates 14 years of providing vital emotional and practical support to children and families following the death of a loved one.

Since its founding in 2011, Once Upon a Smile has supported thousands of children aged 3–18 across the region through one-to-one and group bereavement sessions, play and creative activities, and practical family support.

Operating from Sidley House in Trafford, a one-of-a-kind children’s bereavement centre, the charity offers a warm, safe environment where children can explore their grief through play, creativity, and peer connection. With themed spaces including a LEGO room, cinema, music zone, and baking space, Sidley House is designed to help children express feelings they may not yet have words for.

To mark its 14th birthday, the charity is inviting the public and local businesses to get involved by donating, fundraising, or attending a birthday event. From bake sales and dress-down days to corporate sponsorships and monthly giving, there are many ways to support.

How to Help:

• Donate on the charity JustGiving page
• Fundraise at work, school or in your community
• Join a birthday event or become a partner
• Share the charity’s message to raise awareness

Every penny raised helps Once Upon a Smile continue its work with grieving children—offering support that is immediate, tailored, and long-lasting.

Children’s bereavement charity, Once Upon a Smile, once again brought glitz and glamour to their popular fundraising event – The Grand Ball.

Hosted at the iconic Emirates Old Trafford by the charity’s Co-Founders and actors, Danny Miller (Emmerdale, I’m a Celebrity) and Daniel Jillings (Coronation Street), guests were treated to a magical night filled with live performances and spectacular entertainment.

Acts included Jo and Jon of S-Club, Katrina (formerly of Katrina and the Waves), The Trilogies, Princes of Motown, The Rock Choir, Urban Fusion Dance featuring Alfie Andrew, and also Max Fox, known for their performances on America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent. There were also incredible speakers at the event who talked with kindness about the support they’ve received at Once Upon a Smile. The evening was an unforgettable celebration of talent, generosity, and community spirit.

Funds raised will directly support bereaved children and young people through tailored sessions at Greater Manchester’s only dedicated child bereavement centre.

Since being founded in 2011, Once Upon a Smile has seen a significant rise in referrals for bereavement support. The charity remains dedicated to providing a safe, supportive environment where children can express their emotions and rebuild their lives after the death of a loved one.

We thank our partners, Taurus Security Group* The JD Foundation, event partners Roydon Group, Marc Darcy, Besseges Ltd, and sponsors TRM Domestics Ltd and Phillips & Cohen Associates along with our loyal volunteers and supporters, for their continued contributions which helped us immensely with the event.

A special mention to HireRequirements, Green Contract Services, Hickling and Squires and Think! for their incredible support.

And a huge thank you to our incredible speakers and performers on the evening. 

*Taurus Security Group includes partners: TW Cleaning Group, Taurus Executive, KHC Shutters & Blinds, Skillhaus Decorating Services Limited and Radcliffe Football Club.