Help and support City and East London Bereavement Service was established in 1984 by psychiatrist Dr Colin Murray Parkes. see below News A community bereavement support service is marking its 30th anniversary this year, as Jessica Odubayo reports. ALTHOUGH death is inevitable, until it happens, no one knows how he or she will cope with the loss of someone dear. And some may be dreading the Christmas season, which brings a harsh reminder of the absence of a loved one. A community service, which marks its 30th anniversary this year, offers support to adults who have suffered a bereavement at any time – including those who’ve lost a friend or family member, or lost a baby through miscarriage. Individuals or couples can attend up to 12 weekly sessions to talk to a bereavement counsellor about their loss and the impact it has had on their life. Contact is made directly with The City and East London Bereavement Service or through GP referral. Service director Sheridan Whitfield explained how the service offers support in terms of moving on, dealing with feelings of being overwhelmed and processing and managing thoughts. A team of 30 trained or qualified volunteer counsellors from the community guides residents through the process. Marianne Bowdler is a counsellor. She trained at Tower Hamlets College, with funding from Canary Wharf Trust, and now volunteers one day a week – seeing a minimum of three people. Sessions take place in rooms at the service in Whitechapel in settings which help visitors to feel safe and comfortable. Sheridan said: “Bereavement is a normal Sheridan Whitfield, director, and counsellor Marianne Bowdler WE URGENTLY REQUIRE PROPERTIES ACROSS LONDON LANDLORDS LET US TAKE THE HASSLE OUT OF RENTING FREE property valuation find out how much your property is worth. RECOMMEND A LANDLORD AND RECEIVE UP TO £500 CASH* We offer: 0% Commission Guaranteed Rent FREE Management No Void Period Complete Peace of Mind Regular Inspections Professional Reliable Service FREE: EPC, Gas Certificate & Inventory www.hunterandbloomfield.com Tel: 0207 538 0707 *T’s & C’s apply OR SELLING YOUR PROPERTY EMAIL: docklands@hunterandbloomfield.com Dealing with long-held grief “Someone who lost a parent may contact us when they become a parent themselves. Children who kept grief in or did not express their feelings may come to us as adults.” Grieving is normal, we can help with the pain process and most people do not need counselling. However, there are those who cannot sleep, start to drink, or have complex issues to face –where day to day life is hard.” The director said that, after counselling, people often say the service has helped them to move on or deal with life better. For some using the service, years have passed before they feel they can deal with the trauma of loss. “For instance, someone who lost a parent may contact us when they become a parent themselves. Children who kept grief in or did not express their feelings may come to us as adults with unprocessed, unresolved pain,” Sheridan said. Marianne said other times when it may be difficult to express grief include where children are not allowed to attend a funeral, or where a life was lost at war or in such a way that there is no body to bury. Docklands Business Centre 14 Tiller Road, London E14 8PX ~ SPECIALISTS IN ~ Property Tax (Capital Gains Tax) Buy To Lets Tax Investigations bereavement service director sheridan whitfield, left We also provide traditional accounting services for businesses, including Sole trader/company accounts, corporation tax returns, self assessment returns, PAYE, VAT returns, Business planning and development and provide back office solutions. ~ INITIAL CONSULTATION FREE ~ Follow us on Channel S (SKY 814) Accountancy with Rez at 8:30pm first Tuesday and third Tuesday of the month. Contact: Razaul Kobir Tel: 020 7093 2943 • Mob: 07415 133 873 E: info@earlandgrey.co.uk Established in 1984 by renowned psychiatrist Dr Colin Murray Parkes OBE, who recognised a need for bereavement support in the community, the service is confidential, free and available to all residents age 18 or over. Has someone close to you died, or are they terminally ill? For help, call 7247 1209, email info@bereavement.org.uk or go to www.celbs.counselling.co.uk Latifiah Girls School strives for the success of our pupils in this life and the hereafter, educating the future of our Ummah. The National Curriculum subjects are taught by highly experienced teachers alongside Islamic values, enabling our students to reach their full potential, in developing knowledge and Akhlaq. OPEN AFTERNOON Monday 15th December 2014 2.30pm to 4.00pm 6 NEWS FROM TOWER HAMLETS COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY 8 – 14 DECEMBER 2014
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