A NEW child bereavement service in Runcorn is holding an open day.

Visitors are invited to meet members of Child Bereavement UK on Thursday, March 20, from 2pm to 7pm at its new premises in High Street.

The charity offers free support and information to bereaved children, young people up to age 25, and their families, across Cheshire.

Ann Chalmers, chief executive of Child Bereavement UK, said: “Our open day is an informal opportunity for you to come along and find out more about our work in Cheshire and across the country.

“Whether you are interested in the support we can offer, our training courses, volunteering or fundraising, we look forward to welcoming you.”

A bereaved father who received support with his children, age 10 and seven, after the death of their mum, thanked the charity for helping his family. He said: “Nothing was going to fill the huge hole in their lives, but they understood they were not alone, and so did I. I always left those meeting feeling better than when I went into them.”

During the open day, visitors will be able to learn more about the charity’s support services, and the broad range of training courses offered to professionals whose work brings them into contact with bereaved families.

Families and professionals in schools and in the community are very welcome to come along.

If you are interested in volunteering, there are plenty of ways you could get involved. Projects will be matched to your skills, which will be highly valued.

You will also be able to find out about fundraising opportunities, and chat to staff and volunteers, who will be on hand to provide information and advice - as well as offering refreshments.

Child Bereavement UK operates a national Support and Information line and has 20 years’ experience in supporting families and educating professionals.

The charity trains over 4000 professionals each year and offers group, one-to-one and telephone support to bereaved families.

For more information about the open day, contact Barry Lyonette on 01928 577164 or e-mail barry.lyonette@childbereavementuk.org Child Bereavement UK, Suite 1, Victoria Buildings, High Street, Runcorn WA7 1QS Support and Information line: 0800 02 888 40 or childbereavementuk.org