I came into contact with BBS when I was undertaking a review of
charities in Brent that had applied to receive grants from the
Government funded Harlesden City Challenge Scheme. When I
read the profile of BBS I had serious doubts about funding what I
thought might be a "luxury" - I just did not understand. And then I
met Valerie Wise and from the first moment I was completely
bowled over. I finally understood the far-reaching effects a
bereavement could have and perceived the excellent work of this
small organisation in overcoming potential long-term problems that
could ensue. There was help for the bereaved, a wonderful
learning platform for the volunteers, support for those volunteers in
terms of the supervisory assistance and strong back-up from the
office team. So everybody was winning - a sure sign of success.
Even more the services offered a complete programme of
assistance with a telephone help line, a drop in centre, individual
counselling and a final self-help group.
BBS received the grant from the Government programme and the
Children's Service was born. Valerie Wise and Jenny Singh
understood the needs and capabilities of bereaved children and
created a service, which empathetically addressed those
requirements to the full. I personally saw the results in the case of
one small person who had come from a war-torn area and been so
sadly bereaved of both parents. The child came in to the office for
the first session with shoulders bent and eyes lowered to the floor
- the burden being carried was obviously just too great with the
loss of parents, homeland and being faced with a new life in a
totally different environment. I was in the office at the time of the
child's fourth session and found a remarkable difference - a child
with head held high, eyes which met mine and a ghost of a smile.
If I needed further convincing there it was.
I started helping at BBS with fund raising. That is complex and time
consuming - you can't imagine the amount of time required for
thinking, form filling and report writing and then the eons waiting
for a reply. Of course in the meantime the budgets and workplans
of the organisation have to be re-thought; if we get the grant how
will we implement it, if we don't where else can we apply. I am
delighted to say that a large percentage of applications were
accepted and the Services grew even further.
There was far too much work for Valerie and Raksha and so,
gratefully. Paulo Pimentel came on board completing the team of
dedicated, professional and innovative people.
One of the exciting characteristics about BBS is the fresh thinking.
Project ideas are not just taken down off the shelf and repeated.
Concepts are considered, potential benefits thought through and
discussed. These have resulted in excellent projects, such as the
training of teachers to address bereaved children in the classroom,
training in hospices and so many other undertakings. Never forget
that all this emanates from such a small team.
It is difficult for a small organisation to be recognised, but now
grant donors are approaching BBS with projects and other
organisations seek support from BBS. This has led to a great
partnership between BBS and Bereavement Services for
Hounslow, Bereft, Bereavement Support in Ealing and BBS
involvement with the 7 July Assistance Centre, to support the
survivors and bereaved following the tragic incidents in London.
As for me I was given the honour of chairing the Management
Committee of BBS, a group of caring people who help the Service
to maintain and grow, and now I have been invited to become
Patron of BBS, which honour I am delighted to accept. I am proud
to be associated with such a valuable service and will do my best
to support and assist in any way possible.