LAUNCH OF NORTHERN IRELAND’S INAUGURAL GRIEF RELIEF WEEK
Making a Difference in the Community

Cruse Bereavement Care Northern Ireland launched their first ever “Grief Relief Week” as part of the 50th Golden Jubilee anniversary celebrations of the charity.  The volunteer-based organisation which provides support to bereaved people throughout Northern Ireland hosted a wide range of events from 28 February to 6 March.

The week began with a conference for volunteers and staff at Lough Erne Golf Resort, Enniskillen, on Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March with over 130 delegates at a special event that also marked the 25th - Silver Jubilee - Anniversary of Cruse in Northern Ireland. The conference supported by the Community Volunteering Scheme funded by Department of Social Development focused on how Bereavement Support Makes a Difference in the Community.

Speaking at the conference, Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie praised the work of their volunteers.  She said: “The work of over 500 volunteers in Cruse is making a very real difference to the lives of families as they come to terms with the loss of a loved one.  Their work is changing the lives of so many people for the better.  Their spirit of generosity, the time they give and the commitment they show should encourage everyone to join in, get involved and build a better future.”

Eight roadshows throughout the week covered from Londonderry to Belfast to share new support information with the general public; the launch of a DVD, “Ask the Experts” - made and produced by local young people who speak out on childhood - the launch of a dedicated Cruse website for Northern Ireland and the promotion of the Cruse Memory Walk planned for 13 June 2009.

“Death is a painful and difficult subject for so many of us,” said Anne Townsend, Director of Cruse NI.  “We want Grief Relief Week to celebrate the support that our 500 volunteers give to so many bereaved people throughout Northern Ireland.  We want to share our understanding of bereavement so that more people in Northern Ireland know that we are here to support them.  Over the past year Cruse in Northern Ireland has responded to over 9000 enquires from bereaved people in Cruse offices throughout the province.”

Those 500 Cruse volunteers give over 33,000 hours of support throughout the eight branches across Northern Ireland.

Cruse Bereavement Care exists to promote the well being of bereaved people and to enable anyone suffering a bereavement caused by death to understand their grief and cope with their loss.  In 2008 Cruse Northern Ireland was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services. 

And what did the delegates have to say about the conference?

"Really enjoyed the time out for self care! That is the best thing Cruse can do for hardworking volunteers."
"Thoroughly enjoyable - wonderful venue."
"To have time and space to relax, really enjoyed the experience, thank you."
"Really enjoyed the whole experience and feel renewed enthusiasm for Cruse work."
"Workshop was brilliant!"
"Thank you! This conference was a wonderful combination of input and relaxation in beautiful surroundings - I don’t know how you can improve for next year."
"Excellent facilities, excellent teamwork, excellent company, thank you so much."

You can see the leaflet and programme for the conference here.