20-year-old Jess Sheridan experienced grief first-hand when her mum died while she was just a teen. Now, she has been recognised nationally for her contributions to a Wiltshire bereavement charity.

Jess was only 17 when her mum died in May 2021, after being cared for at home by Dorothy House’s community palliative care nurses.

She saw first-hand the role that Dorothy House, a hospice charity providing free end-of-life care in Wiltshire, Somerset and Bath, can play when dealing with grief at a young age.

The young teen was determined to channel her own grief into giving back as a young people's ambassador, and her resilience has now been recognised nationally at the Hospice UK Awards 2023.

“Since my Mum died, Dorothy House has supported me at every step,” explained Jess.

“I am passionate about seeing grievers like me understood and not alone – and want to be an ambassador, especially for children and young people, whose stories are invaluable and should be heard.”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Jess Sheridan's dad could not be prouder of the way his daughter has handled her grief.Jess Sheridan's dad could not be prouder of the way his daughter has handled her grief. (Image: Dorothy House)

After her mum’s death, Jess joined Dorothy House’s Teen Bereavement Group and began working with a family support team to navigate her own bereavement journey.

She now volunteers her time to support Dorothy House in a variety of crucial ways, including as a young people's ambassador.

This means supporting grieving children in local schools by talking with them about her experience losing her mum as a teenager and its impact on her academic career and personal life of grief, to help grieving young people feel less alone.

She has also been involved in the recently re-launched Dragonfly Project; an annual community education scheme that reduces anxiety and opens up conversations about death and grief.

“Jess has offered advice to so many other bereaved young people, acting as a role model and helping them to connect and support each other,” said Tony Porter, CEO of Hospice UK.

“I was also supported by Dorothy House as a teenager, following the death of my father in 1985. So I am just in complete awe that she has become a young ambassador.”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Jess Sheridan being awarded national 'Volunteer of the Year'.Jess Sheridan being awarded national 'Volunteer of the Year'. (Image: Dorothy House)

Dorothy House provides medical services, family support and personalised hospice at-home care for thousands of families in Wiltshire.

In September this year, they announced plans to expand their Bradford-on-Avon site, to create new nature spaces for those dealing with grief.

“We are delighted that Jess’s local work has been recognised by such a prestigious national award,” added Wayne de Leeuw, CEO of Dorothy House Hospice Care.

“We hope that the ripple effects of Jess’s work will spread far and wide so that young mourners are more visible within our society and that educational institutions are better prepared to support their needs.”