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Being bereaved can be a very disabling process and can often lead to isolation & depression, especially in older people whose own health may be deteriorating. Providing trained volunteer visitors to provide support at this most difficult of times helps people move forward & improve quality of life.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
Bereavement can result in anxiety, loss of confidence, panic, loss of appetite, shock, guilt, anger, isolation & depression. Many older people become isolated after bereavement and this seriously affects people's quality of life. Sally (aged 84):"We'd been married 64 years & I've got no family. I'm completely on my own now & feel as if I've nothing to live for. I feel so empty & without hope."
Solution
Our Bereavement Support Project focusses on what individuals want & need - as bereavement can be a different experience for everyone. Our trained volunteers visit clients in their own homes to provide support. This might be for a few weeks or a few months. Sally (aged 85): "I was very upset for the first few visits & just needed someone to hold my hand while I cried. But now my volunteer is helping me think about the future & I feel a bit stronger". We also run a bereavement support group