In a raw and honest video opening up about his grief on losing both his parents, award-winning music producer Jordan Comolli joins Barnardo’s to raise awareness of how bereavement affects young people for the charity’s Believe in Me campaign.
The campaign by the UK’s leading children’s charity highlights the importance of support services for children and young people who have experienced bereavement, loss or grief.
During his video, Jordan explains how when he lost his father, his mother was there to support him, give him strength and feed him advice and wisdom. But then he lost her when he was just 21-years-old and felt completely alone.
Since tackling his grief Jordan has shaken the electronic dance and beat-making scene with over 30 million views on YouTube, over 10 million plays on SoundCloud, and over 25 million plays on Spotify. His music has been used by the likes of Adidas, Comedy Central, UFC and in the trailer for the Eminem-produced movie ‘BODIED’.
“When I lost my parents, it got so bad at a point that the only thing that would have been enough was the thought of joining them. I was stuck in darkness with no light at the end of the tunnel. I was drowning in my own mind,” Jordan said.
“That’s why I’m supporting Barnardo’s to reach out to young people who are struggling to deal with their grief. I know how hard it is, I know how alone you can feel. It’s really important not to cut yourself off from everyone and to accept help.
"Grief hits us all in different ways, but one outcome it can have on us all; it can make us stronger.”
Before Covid-19, official stats showed one in 29 five-16 year olds had been bereaved of a parent or sibling - that's at least one child in every average class.
With more than 140,000 deaths from Covid-19 in the UK (deaths with Covid-19 on the death certificate), Barnardo’s says many more children and young people will be experiencing bereavement.
In the Believe in Me ad which went live this week, a computer generated crow symbolises the feelings of loss and grief a young boy experiences from losing his mum, before receiving support from a Barnardo's counsellor.
Viewers who see the advert on television or on social media can help Barnardo’s to help children like the boy in the advert by donating to its Children in Crisis appeal.
Barnardo’s Chief Exective Javed Khan said: “We are grateful to Jordan for sharing his personal experiences in order to raise awareness of the challenges faced by vulnerable children and young people across the UK. Losing a parent is a traumatic experience for anyone, but especially for a child. It is vital that they receive specialist support at the right time so they can process their grief.
“At Barnardo’s we believe that with the right support all children can recover from trauma and work towards a positive future.”
For more information on the campaign, or to show your support, please visit: https://www.barnardos.org.uk/urgent-appeal-2021