B’Breaks – Algarve

Is an opportunity to visit the Algarve for a respite break.

We target this help to a specific vulnerable group from UK Society: Bereaved Parents and their immediate families.

Parents who experience the unexpected and traumatic loss, whether their child was 3 years old or 33 years old, a parent never expects this to happen to them.

Each Bereavement Break offers a ‘time-out’ to rest relax and recharge.

Breaks are arranged between Nov – March. During the low season when the Algarve is tranquil and less crowded. Yet the beaches and surrounding countryside is at its most beautiful.

Each parent is a guest of The Jessica Lawson Foundation. The umbrella organisation (Guarda-Chuva) created in 2016 by bereaved parents themselves Antony and Brenda Lawson. After their daughter Jessica died in July 2015 they quickly realised the gap in bereavement support services. Especially Wellbeing Assistance to improve long term physical emotional and mental health.

Travel and accommodation arrangements are made in association with the JLFoundation and the network of partners it has working together to offer this bespoke opportunity.

Partners including Accommodation owners, Hotels, Restaurants, Airport transfer companies and anyone offering an experience our guests may enjoy …whether a Boat tour or a Tuk tuk ride in Tavira to wine tasting or Cork Factory tour in Faro.

Partners decide with the JLFoundation the discount offered. Some may offer reduced room rates or a free beer or coffee in a particular restaurant.

Many private accommodation owners generously ‘pledge’ their properties free of charge. They decide on date availability for the use of the B’Break guests.

The JLFoundation work together with UK Charities including The Compassionate Friends The Good Grief Trust Murdered Abroad and specific local bereaved parents support groups.

The availability and details about each property is shared with these charities and interested parents contact Brenda Lawson direct.

At that point the relationship with each parent begins. We Guide and Assist. Something that is very rarely offered to bereaved parents.

Parents feel they part of society again. Their self esteem is improved and the main aim is to EMPOWER them to take back some control in this new life that no one ever wanted.

The pain doesn’t go away. Yet, The Algarve does allow parents to see a different view of their very different world. The friendliness, the climate, the sunshine does improve mood and helps heal. Recharge.

Update

The first B’Break parents arrived on 7th November 2018.

Since then 4 other guests have visited and another 6 confirmed for the coming winter season 2019/20.

JLFoundation held its first B’Break Algarve fund raising event on 9th May 2019.

Asuccessful and enjoyable luncheon at the Holiday Inn Armacao de Pera.

Assurance

Any money raised or donated in the Algarve to the JLFoundation and/or it’s B’Break opportunity is used solely for B’Break guest activities and expenses during their stay. Money that will help local businesses and the tourism economy in places like Burgau Lagos Silves and Tavira.

For more information or to ask about joining the partner network – please contact Brenda Lawson

Tel: 964 388 077 or +44 7538 530669

E-mail: jlfoundation17@gmail.com  or brenda5thehouse@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jesslawsonmemorial/