A CHARITY which has provided over 30 years of support to bereaved families has received a generous amount of £9,000 from the National Lottery Fund.

Cruse Bereavement Care which is located in Bracknell helps provide support to bereaved families through the charities specially trained volunteers and support groups.

The grant means the charity continue its vital work in supporting adults and young people through its one-to-one advice system and support groups.

Helen Bean, chair of client services committee, said: "We are so delighted that the National Lottery has recognised the importance of what we do for the local community.

"Unresolved grief can result in both physical and mental health problems, loneliness and isolation.

"Our aim is to support people's emotional and social well-being to help them remain an active part of their family and community."

The national bereavement charity is the largest in the UK and set up its Bracknell branch over 30 years ago to provide care to hundreds of families across the Thames Valley in Reading, Wokingham, Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead.

Volunteers with the charity help people understand their grief and support them as they cope with their loss.

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Karen, bereavement volunteer for Thames Valley, said: "We often see people in their own homes so we can help those who would otherwise find it difficult to get support.

"The training I received helped me understand grief and the impact it can have on people. Being a bereavement volunteer is rewarding and I would encourage others to consider it."

The National Lottery fund awards money to local communities across England.

Since 2004, over 200,000 grants have been awarded and over £9 billion to projects that have helped millions of people.