The memory of a child honoured with an original song
In 2023, we first started working in partnership with The Keepsake Circle on a two-part project. This project offered parents a unique opportunity to remember their child through the creation of an original song. Their unique songs were then shared in a live concert,
In 2026, we completed the second part of the project at a concert with the families involved. The Keepsake Circle: Part 1 and Part 2 are now available for all to download.
What is the Keepsake Circle?
The Keepsake Circle worked with bereaved parents and families to create original, bespoke songs in tribute to their child, or children, who have died. Using the family’s stories and memories, an original song is crafted and recorded. Each song was individual to that family and a lasting tribute to the joy they brought to families’ lives.
The Keepsake Circle: Part 1 culminated in 2024 where the songs for ten families were played at a unique concert at Kingston Bagpuize.
The Keepsake Circle: Part 2 culminated in 2026 where the new songs for ten new families were played at a unique concert at Caswell House.
How we worked with The Keepsake Circle
We worked with The Keepsake Circle on a two-part project to provide a service for families to help them remember their child who was cared for, and supported by Helen & Douglas House, prior to, during and/or after their death. In early 2026, we culminated the second part of the project.
After an initial meeting with families, The Keepsake Circle then record the songs onto an album, so that then families can have “their” song in perpetuity.
The Keepsake Circle first worked with Derrian House hospice. They had overwhelmingly positive feedback, both about the process of discussing memories of their child so the song could be created, and the unique memento of the song. The Keepsake Circle have been delighted to bring the benefits Derrian House families experienced, to those at Helen & Douglas House.
We held our Part 1 concert in 2024 where the bereaved families could hear their songs performed. Read more about the first year concert and the family experience, as well as your chance to listen to the songs, by visiting Keepsake Circle: Part 1.
Part 2 of the project was completed in early 2026, you can read more at Keepsake Circle Part 2.
More about the Keepsake Circle
The Keepsake Circle works with bereaved parents and families within palliative care organisations, like Helen & Douglas House, to memorialise their children in song. Each song is individual to that family, and a lasting tribute to the joy they brought to their family’s lives.
They also work with palliative care organisations, alongside families who have endured the most heartbreaking of losses. Using their stories and memories, we write original songs for their very special child who has gone too soon.
Visit The Keepsake Circle’s website to find out more.
Listen to the Keepsake Circle songs
The Keepsake Circle album is available on the links below, or search for the Keepsake Circle: Helen & Douglas – Part 1:
The Keepsake Circle: Helen & Douglas – Part 2:
Bereavement support at Helen & Douglas House
We offer bereavement support to families, for up to two years, following the death of their child. We do this via a named bereavement support worker, and through groups and events for bereaved, parents, siblings and families.
To find out more visit www.helenanddouglas.org.uk/for-families/services/bereavement-support.