A Harrogate widow is urging local people to support a parliamentary petition aimed at extending financial support for bereaved families.
Nicki Swindells, who lost her husband suddenly in 2019, has been working with the Widows Fight campaign since January and is calling on residents across the district to help a petition reach the 100,000 signatures needed for a debate in Parliament.
The petition calls for changes to Bereavement Support Payment, which currently provides financial support to eligible families for up to 18 months following the death of a partner.
Nicki was left widowed with two young daughters when her husband died unexpectedly.
She said:
"I lost my husband very suddenly and unexpectedly in 2019, leaving myself and our two girls, who were three and one at the time.
"No one ever expects to be in this situation, but unfortunately it can happen to anyone. It literally turns your life upside down, but you're expected to be able to cope after 18 months."
Campaigners argue that support available to bereaved parents was significantly reduced following changes introduced in 2017, with payments no longer continuing throughout a child's education.
Nicki believes the system does not adequately support families dealing with the long-term impact of losing a parent.
She added:
"I'm backing this for my own girls and any other widow or future widow out there. The system needs to change."
The campaign says the issue is not about introducing a new benefit, but ensuring families receive support linked to the National Insurance contributions made by their loved ones during their working lives.
Nicki said:
"Just to reiterate, this isn't a benefit we're asking for. It's our partners' National Insurance contribution that their children are entitled to."
The petition has attracted more than 78,000 signatures and campaigners are hoping for a final push to reach the 100,000-signature threshold before it closes.
People wishing to support the campaign can sign the petition online. Signatures must be verified through an email confirmation before they are counted.
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