The Changing Face of Cruse
There can be few funeral directors who have not heard of the charity Cruse Bereavement Care with our well-established reputation for providing bereavement support and counselling. As we work to extend and strengthen our services we know that independent funeral directors have a vital role to play in pointing more bereaved people to the help we can provide. Independents are often family firms with long-serving employees and deep roots in local communities. So they are often uniquely well-placed to understand the impact of bereavement on families – maybe families they have known for many years.
Cruse originated in 1959 when a small group was set up to help widows and their children. Cruse is a non-religious organisation but derives its name from an Old Testament story in which Elijah asked a widow to give him some oil from her cruse (vessel). Because she generously shared the little she had, the prophet ensured that her cruse would never run dry.Today we help anyone bereaved and the charity has grown to become the largest of its kind in the world. Last year we helped nearly 100,000 people with 30,000 receiving face-to-face support.
Cruse’s work is as necessary today as it was 50 years ago although as society has changed our role has evolved. Everyone’s experience of bereavement is unique and people who come to Cruse have a range of needs. Some people need bereavement counselling; others need information, advice or support.
Increasingly people are using the Internet to seek support and information; in particular young people appreciate the Cruse RD4U website. This was created by children and young people for children and young people. It is a safe place online where they express and share their experiences of bereavement, and help each other.
Who are we?
- Nearly 6,000 volunteers and 125 members of staff
- 135 Branches across England, Wales and Northern Ireland (sister organisation in Scotland)
What do we offer?
- One-to-one, face-to face bereavement support
- Bereavement counselling
- Support and Friendship Groups
- Telephone support – National helpline - 0844 477 9400
- Freephone helpline for children – 0808 808 1677
- Email support – helpline@cruse.org.uk
- Websites – www.cruse.org.uk www.RD4U.org.uk
- Leaflets & Literature
- Training
One Day Public Courses
These one day workshops can be attended by anyone who wants to understand the issues surrounding bereavement and how to communicate with clients and colleagues suffering from loss. The workshops cost just £140 + VAT and run throughout the year. Dates for 2011/12 are:
London: 17 May 2011, 14 June 2011, 15 September 2011, 18 October 2011, 17 November 2011, 24 January 2012, 21 February 2012 and 22 March 2012
Manchester: 19 May 2011 and 20 October 2011
For further information or to book a place please contact the co-ordinator (email training@cruse.org.uk or telephone 0208 939 9547)
Forthcoming Events
Early-bird booking is now open for the 2011 conference from Cruse Bereavement Care, which this year focuses on ‘Grief in the Community’.
Book before 7th May for a reduced rate on packages for this acclaimed annual event, which gives you the chance to hear about bereavement issues, participate in interactive workshops and network in the scenic grounds of Warwick University.
This popular two-day conference runs from 12-13 July and highlights include:
- Faith and Bereavement Discussion Panel, chaired by the Guardian’s David Brindle
- A diverse range of plenary sessions from Professor Danai Papadatou, Dr Anne Tracey and David Charles Edwards.
- A huge variety of seminars and workshops
- Networking opportunities, fantastic leisure facilities and great food on the scenic campus of Warwick University
http://www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk/Conference.html
Caroline Roddis
PR & Marketing Officer
Cruse Bereavement Care
Direct Line: 0208 939 9547
