In this September edition, we reflect on the powerful work our volunteers have done, share their voices, and look ahead to what’s coming next in our journey for safer streets and remembrance.
Volunteer News & Appreciation
Our extraordinary South West Coordinator, Kate Uzzell, has been busy and active as usual this month, making sure that victims of road crash and other interested parties in her region know that RoadPeace are here, and spreading the word about what she and the wider RoadPeace community can offer.
She also attended a road safety community conversation with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, where she found out about the initiatives they are involved in. Kate plans to contact some of the other attendees to garner support in raising awareness and spreading the word about RoadPeace within the region.
Kate also met with the South Wales Fire Service, to talk to them about road danger, and what RoadPeace do. Kate, thank you so much for all that you do.
Our groups in the West of the UK have also had an active month. Back in the heat of August they held their annual picnic, gathering members from both groups to socialise and offer support over some lunch in the great outdoors.
Another activity in the open air was held by our incredible coordinator for both groups, Lucy Harrison. She organised an action day, recreating a Garden of Remembrance in Pype Hayes Park, Birmingham. Members of the groups gathered together, equipped with spades, garden forks and wheelbarrows, and worked incredibly hard to begin to transform the garden.
In Lucy’s words, “It has been incredible what has been achieved. Everyone has grafted”. Huge thanks to everyone who turned up and rolled up their sleeves, and especially to Lucy.
Two Mums Talking
The latest episodes of the podcast, Two mums talking, are available to listen to now. RoadPeace members, Yvonne Bruce and Mandy Garner, are mums whose children, Jack and Anisha, were killed in a matter of seconds by road vehicles. In their podcast they seek to open up a conversation about what it’s like when such awful events explode in your family. It covers everything from how to deal with family and friends and work, the difficulties of dealing with the justice system at a time of horrendous shock and how you as a parent look after your remaining family. It comes out of a sense that there is little understanding generally about the impact on families of road deaths and about what they need. The aim is to make it easier for those who are forced to join this terrible group of bereaved parents and to help those around them to know what they can do to help.
The series is running weekly since September 3rd, is hosted by Acast, and is available to listen to via Spotify either by searching for the podcast on your device, or by following this link:
RoadPeace Creativity
This section of the newsletter offers a space for you to share your creative projects and hobbies.
From this deep sorrow – from this painful grief?
How can I go on or find a way to be strong?
Will I ever again enjoy life’s sweet song?Sometimes a warm memory sheds light in the dark
And eases the pain like the song of a Meadow Lark.
Then it flits away on silent wings and I’m alone;
Hungering for more of the light it had shone.Shall grief’s bitter cold sadness consume me,
Like a winter storm on the vast angry sea?
How can I fill the void and deep desperate need
To replant my heart with hope’s lovely seed?Then I look at a photo of your playful smiling face
And for a moment I escape to a serene happy place;
Remembering the laughter and all you would do,
Cherishing the honest, caring, loving spirit of you.Shall spring’s cheerful flowers bring life anew
And allow me to forget the agony of missing you?
Will spring’s burst of new life bring fresh hope
And teach my grieving soul how to cope?Sometimes I’ll read a treasured card you had given me
And each word’s special meaning makes me see,
The precious gift of love I was fortunate to receive,
And I realize you’d never want to see me grieve.Shall summer’s warm brilliant sun bring new light,
And free my anguished mind of its terrible plight?
Will its gentle breezes chase grief’s dark clouds away,
And show me a clear path towards a better day?When I visit the grave where you lie in eternal peace,
I know that death and heaven brought you release;
I try to envision your joy on that shore across the sea,
And, until I join you, that’ll have to be enough for me.For all the remaining seasons of my life on earth,
There’ll be days I’ll miss your merriment and mirth,
And sometimes I’ll sadly long for all the yesterdays;
Missing our chats and your gentle understanding ways.Yet, the lessons of kindness and love you taught me,
And the good things in life you’ve helped me to see;
Linger as lasting gifts that comfort and will sustain,
Until I journey to that peaceful shore and see you again.
Submissions Welcome
If any of you have creative items that you would like us to include in forthcoming issues, we would welcome your ideas and will try to publish them over the coming months. Please don’t be shy! You don’t need to be a professional to share your work – everything is welcome, including photography. Please email nadia.morgan@roadpeace.org with your suggestions.
Additional Support Services
Volunteers – Please Log Your Time
Volunteer Hours
All volunteers are encouraged to log their hours on a monthly basis so we can be mindful of the committed work you are doing and ensure the right support is in place.
All Volunteers:
To log your hours please fill in our survey HERE.
Befrienders:
Please log your calls using THIS LINK.
Thank you for all you do. Stay tuned for next month’s blog — more inspiring stories and updates are on the way!
Updated on: 24 September 2025