Support to be offered to people struggling to come to terms with the loss of a loved one

Families in Seaton and the surrounding area struggling to come to terms with the loss of a loved one are to be offered free bereavement support as part of a new scheme by funeral directors and qualified counsellors.

The service is being made available to adult clients of Hansfords Funeral Service in Seaton as part of a caring partnership between leading trade association, the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) and bereavement support specialist Professional Help Ltd.

The scheme, called SAIFCare, is in response to the growing awareness of the need for many people to seek support following the death of a close friend or relative, thanks to a number of recent high profile cases.

Under SAIFCare, family members will be offered up to six free counselling sessions, which can be used by one person or split between various members of a family.

Delivered by a qualified bereavement counsellor, the sessions can take place at a location of the bereaved person’s choosing or by telephone and even online chat and email.

Colin Comber of Hansfords Funeral Service, said the service would help local families at a difficult time.

“As funeral directors, we often see people at the start of their journey of grief and feel we would like to do more to assist, as we know that feelings of sadness and loss don’t end with the funeral,” he said.

“This service enables us to go above and beyond for the families in our care in order to ensure they get the support and advice they need at life’s most difficult time.”

Funeral profession trade association SAIF piloted the service with 13 of its funeral director members last year and quickly identified a need to expand it across a wider area. Funeral directors who are members of the organisation have to opt in to offer the service.

Catherine Betley, founder of Professional Help, added: “There is no time limit on grief but we do know that providing support early on in the journey can have significant benefits for a person’s wellbeing. I’m sure SAIFCare will provide help and comfort to many people.”

For further information contact Hansfords Funeral Service on 01297 22538.