Much additional work accompanied by stress and existential angst
has seen another year pass. Our partnerships with Bereavement
Services for Hounslow and more recently with Bereft,
Bereavement Support for Ealing are progressing well, and I hope
that we will one day be able to create a service that will
encompass the three boroughs.
We are also one of the main agencies providing support for the
survivors of the tragic incidents in London on 7th July. In
association with Westminster City Council, we hope to continue
the partnership and build on it, to offer bereaved people and all
those affected by the tragedy a professional, caring and proactive
service, which may help them to re-build their lives.
My great thanks to Raksha and Valerie for their continued support
and to our team of wonderful volunteers, who are so splendidly
supported by Rohini, Jacqui and Valerie. It is the close working
relationship we have that makes us a successful agency,
delivering a quality product for the people of Brent and beyond.
Our referrals have increased on last year, and due to the lack of
statutory provision, we are taking on more clients with mental
health problems. This has meant additional supervision and
administration, which translates into more time and money.
However, we have been able to offer counselling, advice and
support for over 1129 people during the past year with a relatively
low expenditure - making us one of the most cost effective
agencies in the Brent.
We have welcomed additional volunteers and said goodbye to a
few excellent ones, who I hope will share their learning and
experience of supporting bereaved people with others they
encounter, and in their future work. In addition to helping those
devastated by their grief, I see our work as teaching everyone
about bereavement and loss, so that one day our work will no
longer be needed... But, until then, we will continue to provide a
professional service for those in need and continue to train and
support people who will provide the skills to help them.
My thanks to our excellent Management Committee Members for
their continued support and dedication.