Sue Ryder’s Chelsea window challenge: A blooming tribute to the grieving
As gardening enthusiasts prepare for the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Sue Ryder, a leading bereavement support charity in the UK, is set to launch a vibrant tribute to nature and nurturing.
Operating around 400 charity shops across the country, where donated items such as clothing, furniture, books, and music find new homes, the charity is now turning its attention to its shop windows.
Through the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Window Challenge, five of its stores will be adorned with a nature theme to promote its compassionate Grief Kind campaign. This initiative not only heralds the upcoming flower show but also weaves the serenity of nature into urban landscapes, raising awareness and providing sanctuaries for those working through loss.
The campaign is a heartening initiative aimed at promoting kindness and support among those experiencing grief.
Sue Ryder has partnered with local business Square 4 to dress up their shop windows in a celebration of natural beauty, a nod to the charity’s dedication to providing sanctuaries for those working through loss.
“We are delighted to be supporting Sue Ryder as our chosen charity of the year. Giving back has always been part of our corporate ambition. Teams within Square 4 are dedicating an afternoon to volunteering at a number of local Sue Ryder stores, designing creative window displays in harmony with the Sue RyderGrief Kind Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show,” said Paul Scott, Managing Director at Square 4 Partners.
Lucy Swann, Retail & Corporate Volunteering Business Partner at Sue Ryder, added, “We are absolutely delighted to have Square 4 volunteering with us and bringing their creativity and flair to Sue Ryder shops by dressing our windows in captivating RHS Chelsea Flower Show themes.
“We can’t wait to see how they transform the storefront into blooming masterpieces, to showcase the great pieces we have available and to raise awareness of the Sue Ryder Grief Kind Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year. We are sure that through their imaginative and vibrant displays, it will help entice shoppers to step into our shops, to explore our fantastic ranges and help raise funds for Sue Ryder’s expert palliative care and bereavement support services.”
The display will coincide with the unveiling of the Sue Ryder Grief Kind Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, a designed space that offers visitors a moment of peaceful reflection amidst the bustle of the event. This garden is not only a feast for the eyes but also a sensory experience designed to connect visitors deeply with the surrounding nature.
Featuring plants selected for their sensory properties and designs inspired by Bedfordshire’s historic lace production, the garden will later find a permanent home at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Bedford.
Internally, Sue Ryder is building light-hearted competition among its volunteers and staff, challenging them to create the most stunning window displays. The initiative not only serves as a team-building exercise but also engages the community in the charity’s core mission of kindness in times of grief.
Statistics from Sue Ryder paint a poignant picture of bereavement in the UK, with over 70% of bereaved individuals not receiving the support they need. The charity’s presence at RHS Chelsea Flower Show aims to highlight this issue, offering a platform for open conversations about grief and providing guidance on how to support those in need.
As thousands of visitors prepare to attend the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Sue Ryder’s Chelsea Window Challenge stands as a poignant reminder of the universal journey through grief and the healing power of community and nature. It is likely that many attendees have experienced grief in some form, making the event a meaningful space for reflection. The Sue Ryder Grief Kind Garden and the themed window displays promise to be a sanctuary for many, encouraging a deeper understanding and engagement with the delicate process of grieving.
Square 4, a prominent advisory and resourcing firm, is known for its commitment to support growth and navigate complex regulatory environments through technology and expert consultancy. With a foundation in governance, conduct, financial crime, and operational risk, Square 4 is dedicated to making a positive impact on communities and clients. Partnering with Sue Ryder aligns with their mission, exemplified by their pledge to allocate 4% of annual earnings to charitable causes, underscoring their commitment to corporate responsibility and community support.
For more information on the Grief Kind campaign or to contribute to Sue Ryder’s efforts, please visit sueryder.org/RHSChelsea or your local store.
The Grief Kind initiative by Sue Ryder includes a range of support options designed to help people learn to live with grief and provide support to others experiencing it. This includes access to free video counselling, an online community, expert advice, and resources. Additionally, Sue Ryder offers Grief Kind classes with tips and tools from bereavement experts and hosts a Grief Kind podcast featuring conversations about bereavement experiences and support methods.
For more detailed information and resources, you can visit their Grief Kind webpage.
