It is with a sense
of pride that I write my first report as Chair of BBS. My involvement with the
service goes back over many years, in a number of roles each of which have given
me a different perspective on the organisation. In the role of Chair I have
an overview and can look back on the achievements of this past year confident
that the service continues to grow steadily.
This growth is due in no small part to the hard work of the staff: Paulo, Raksha,
Valerie and Carole; our Supervisors: Jacqui and Rohini and, of course our volunteers.
As with any small organisation, often staff have to wear many different hats
and I am very grateful to each of them for their loyalty, adaptability and willingness.
The staff work together as a team and the success of this teamwork is mirrored
throughout the organisation.
BBS relies upon its volunteers. These are the people who regularly meet with
clients and support them through the difficulties and traumas of their bereavements.
Their commitment, both to BBS and to their clients, is to be applauded. Without
our volunteers giving freely of their time and expertise many bereaved people
of all ages would still be crippled by their grief. I thank them all. Our trained,
accredited supervisors tirelessly support the volunteers, listening, holding,
teaching and advising. Without their essential input our volunteers could not
work with clients.
Let me not forget the Management Committee members, those people who listen,
advise and support the staff and volunteers in their work. The Management Committee
work quietly behind the scenes and often do not appreciate their own value.
I know how much the staff welcome and appreciate their input and I would like
to thank each of my colleagues on the committee for their support over the past
year.
I would like to end by thanking our founders for making our work possible and
to all those who have supported BBS during the year.
Rita Sandy Price