A vegan society has come together to support a Norfolk bereavement charity, with the hope of raising enough money to fund a young person's place at an activity day.

The activity day brings bereaved children together to discover coping mechanisms for emotions that can be hard to tackle.

It also helps the children realise they are not alone and gives them good grounding to move forward positively with their lives.

On June 17, from 5.30pm – 7.45pm the Norwich Vegan Society will open the doors at the Friends Meeting House on Upper Goat Lane to the public, to join in their Purple Picnic fundraiser in aid of Nelson's Journey.

Maud Webster and Mina Mitchell-Harder, both 15 and from Norwich, have been part of the Vegan Society for seven months and are at the heart of the planning for the event.

Mina said: 'The Norwich Vegans are delighted to support Nelson's Journey and the Purple Picnics. They are a great opportunity to bring communities together, remember lost ones, and fundraise at the same time for an amazing charity who does great work. We are excited to help a charity so close to our heart whilst also bringing plant-based food to our community.'

Maud added: 'It's also a chance to remember people we've lost together and celebrate their lives. We're asking for a £3 entrance fee (children free) with all profits going to Nelson's Journey, and any donations of food are welcome.'

In 2016 the charity had 786 children and young people needing their support. This year have already received over 350 referrals, the charity is asking the community to get behind their fundraising week to help raise vital funds needed to offer their service.

Sarah Hyde, Nelson's Journey Community Funding and Marketing Officer said: 'The pain of a bereavement eases over time but never truly goes away and memories can be triggered when least expected. It's important children receive the special support they need to help them grieve. As children grow and each year passes, memories of the person who has died may dim, so it's important for them to have something to refer to from time to time, holding a Purple Picnic can be a perfect way to remember someone special that had died. We want to make sure no bereaved child feels alone and that they have the opportunity to access support should they need it.

'If you can hold your own Purple Picnic, like the Vegan Society, then you will be helping us to make our services available to a growing number of Norfolk's bereaved children. It would be great to see Purple Picnics popping up all over Norfolk, we hope it will give a sense of community to those taking part and help bereaved children realise they are not alone.'

You can buy tickets for the Vegan society Purple Picnic by enquiring on their Facebook event, search 'Norwich Vegans Purple Picnic'.

If you want to hold your own Purple Picnic you can register on the Nelson's Journey website at www.nelsonsjourney.org.uk/purple-picnic/

Everyone who registers their Purple Picnic will also be in with a chance to have Kate Barmby, 2016 Great British Bake Off Contestant, visit their picnic.

For more information about Nelson's Journey, please visit their website at www.nelsonsjourney.org.uk.