New bereavement service welcomed by Spa widow

Buy photos » Droitwich widow Dawn Reohorn has lent her support to the new service. (s)

A DROITWICH widow has welcomed a new service which has been launched to help people who need support after the death of a loved one.

Dawn Reohorn spoke at the launch of the free Bereavement Support South Worcestershire service which is based at St Richard's Hospice in Worcester.

The service, which is being funded by the South Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, has four main areas of support.

A bereavement social worker will provide support for those encountering complex grief while there will also be bereavement education and training for a wide range of organisations.

There will also be a new website at www.bereavementsupportworcestershire.org.uk and a telephone helpline on 01905 760934 for those registered with a GP in south Worcestershire, which will be available Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm.

Mrs Reohorn turned to St Richard's Hospice after the death of her husband Martin Pless in 2007 to cancer.

She said she believed the service would not only help people who have suffered with the loss of a loved one but also educate others on the issues facing the bereaved.

"This service is going to have a life changing impact on people," she said.

"My daughter was bullied at school when her dad was ill because she was vulnerable and quiet. But she had a teacher who didn't understand her, so this will educate those people."

June Patel, care director at St Richard’s Hospice, said the charity would work with hospitals, emergency services, GPs and other organisations to ensure they were aware of the new service.

"The aim of the new bereavement support service is to provide people with information and links to organisations which may be able to offer help and guidance across a range of needs from practical issues to emotional support," she said.

"The telephone helpline will also be very useful for those who would prefer to talk to someone.”

Visit www.strichards.org.uk for more information on the new service.

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