5:43pm Sunday 6th January 2008
A Lancashire charity is crying out for help to support bereaved folk.
Some of these people feel they are at their wits' end and need reassurance that they are still sane and that these feelings are "normal" in bereavement, whereas others need longer-lasting support to understand their bereavement and come to terms with their loss.
Clients can be of all ages and can have lost a family member (parent, sibling or child), a more distant relative or a friend.
Rev Toby Webber, Chairman of Cruse Bereavement Care Lancashire, says: "We ran a very successful recruitment campaign last year but client demand for our services in this district continues to grow.
"We are desperate for more people to come forward to become Bereavement Support Volunteers."
Janet Tinton, who is organising the recruitment campaign, adds: "Every volunteer will undergo extensive training in all aspects of bereavement and in counselling skills.
"We understand it is a big commitment for volunteers to make.
"We hope that, when the initial training is over, the volunteers will stay with us for a few years, supporting bereaved people."
Janet goes on to explain what a valued service the Cruse volunteers provide.
In the last year, clients have called it "a lifeline," she said.
"Many people would have struggled to carry on without the support.
"Research has shown that bereavement affects people mentally physically, financially and socially."
People wishing to volunteer or interested in more details should send a medium, self-addressed envelope to Cruse Bereavement Care (Lancashire), 12 Croston House, Lancashire Business Park, LEYLAND, Lancashire, PR26 6TT, as soon as possible.
If any business is willing to sponsor the recruitment and training of volunteers in their locality, which costs the charity in the region of £300 per volunteer, please contact the Lancashire office.
The Lancashire Area of Cruse receives no funds from Head Office.
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