Volunteers have been recruited who already hold a Counselling Skills Certificate in generic counselling skills and also those who have obtained Diplomas in Counselling. These volunteers have received specialised training in Bereavement Support delivered by Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland (CBCS). The service aims to promote equality of access to bereavement support to everyone of all ages and abilities

Over recent years individuals and agencies have expressed the need for bereavement counselling to be provided for the Shetland Community. The Shetland Bereavement Support Service has been developed over the past two years to meet this need and provide care to people who are seeking help and support after losing someone.

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The Annual General Meeting of Shetland Bereavement Support Service was held on Tuesday 25th September 2007 at 7pm, Market House, 14 Market Street, Lerwick.

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The summer prize draw took place on 4th September and raised a total of £739 for their funds. First prize was a return trip for two to Aberdeen, courtesy of Northlink Ferries. Shetland Bereavement Support Service thanks all who bought tickets and contributed prizes.

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A Good Year for Shetland Bereavement Support Service

Shetland Bereavement Support Service has just finished its first year in operation since the service was launched in the spring of 2007. The service, which offers one to one support via a team of three fully trained support workers, has had a busy year.

As well as providing the counselling support to individuals the SBSS has also developed a training programme in partnership with Shetland College and a further seven support workers are nearing the completion of training. This is good news as it means that the service will be able to expand its capacity to meet the increasing demand.

Feedback from clients includes, “I feel I have been listened to,” and many clients have noted an improvement in their emotional wellbeing after counselling and welcomed the fact that there is no waiting list.

The continued development of the SBSS is possible due to funding from Quality of Life and a five year funding package from the Big Lottery as well as the hard working volunteers on the committee who organise fundraising events.

SBSS chair person, Elaine Thomson said, “It is really heartening to see the service take off in the way that it has and we are pleased to be able to offer support to people who are experiencing such a difficult and challenging emotional experience as bereavement.”