A bereavement service that provides support to those who have been affected by family members passing away due to the COVID-19 pandemic has received vital funding from Reach Rushcliffe.
Cruse Bereavement applied to the Rushcliffe Borough Council initiative earlier this year and will now use the funds to further reach out to those in need whilst tackling social isolation and loneliness.
The charity hopes it will provide more residents with the bereavement support, allowing for a further 250 telephone sessions and training for 10 volunteers.
Cllr Debbie Mason met with Cruse Bereavement Support Workers Ann Aljewicz and Karen Briden to find out more about the role they provide at such a crucial time to family and friends.
Area Chair of Cruse Jim Aleander said: “We are so pleased to have received funding through Reach Rushcliffe which means we are able to provide vital bereavement support to those who have been affected.
“The death of anyone close to them as a result of COVID-19, or those who have had their existing grief triggered due to the pandemic is something that we know affects many, many people.
“Our Bereavement volunteers are trained to support people through traumatic and sudden loss and they help residents across Rushcliffe and Nottinghamshire.
“By training volunteers to deliver one to one support over the phone we can provide a much-needed lifeline to those experiencing grief and loss compounded by the isolation and loneliness of lockdown restrictions.”
Anyone wishing to access the free services can call 0115 924 4404 or visit https://www.cruse.org.uk/
Cllr Mason added: “We are very pleased to be able to provide funding to Cruse Bereavement.
“It is incredibly difficult when you lose a loved one, but these feelings are likely to be exacerbated by the pandemic and even more so in residents at risk of social isolation in their community.
“The further support network they will provide can only reach out to those affected and give them the empathy we all need when we suffer such a trauma.”
