Devon bereavement charity could close after funding cuts

The service works with about 250 clients a year who are dealing with "traumatic grief"

A counselling charity in Devon that helps people who have lost a loved one to murder or people taking their own lives has lost its NHS funding.

Bereavement Counselling Service (BCS) Plymouth said it needed more money after NHS grants stopped in April 2023.

BCS chair Trisha Jones said the charity could cease to operate "by the end of the year" if the financial situation did not change.

NHS Devon said there was duplication of bereavement services around the county.

'Traumatic grief'

Ms Jones said: "We were always receiving a grant from the NHS for the last 25 years and then, about 12 months ago, they withdrew it.

"We have to constantly apply for grants to keep the service going. We do ask for donations, but donations don't always come."

The service said it worked with about 250 clients a year who were dealing with "traumatic grief".

Circumstances included bereavements from car crashes, suicide, child loss or "where people die before their time".

'Services in place'

Therapist and BCS trustee Jenny Harvey said it would be "tragic" if the service was to stop.

She said: "We deal with a lot of people who can't afford to pay and it's very important that we offer this service free. The only way we can do that is if we're funded well."

A spokesperson for the NHS in Devon said: "In 2021, we commenced a review of counselling and therapy services across Devon, which included bereavement services.  

"We are confident that, following the review, there now is a network of services in place for people with a wide range of needs, including bereavement. "Whilst ensuring this network of services is in place to meet people's needs, a small number of providers did not have their contracts renewed."