A charity that provides support to bereaved people across Worcestershire has received an incredible £10,000 funding boost to continue helping people deal with the loss of their loved ones thanks to Redditch Crematorium.

The Worcestershire branch of Cruse Bereavement Care was nominated by Redditch Crematorium to receive the funding as part of the ICCM’s (Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management) metal recycling scheme.

Families give their permission for residual metals – such as in replacement hips – to be recycled at the crematorium via the nationally recognised ICCM scheme.

Cruse will use the money from the recycling scheme to continue to support bereaved people in the borough and across Worcestershire, providing someone to turn to in the event of the loss of a loved one. Cruse is a nation-wide organisation, established over 60 years ago. It’s network of trained volunteers are skilled in assisting people through times of crisis, such as those bereaved by the Manchester Arena bombings and most recently the Coronavirus pandemic. They have expanded to support hundreds of thousands of people each year and it is hoped that this extra money for Worcestershire Cruse will help local Redditch residents deal with loss, especially sudden and traumatic losses.

Pam Vernon, from Worcestershire Cruse Bereavement Care, said: “We are truly grateful to have been nominated to receive this funding because it means we can continue to provide support to all in Redditch who have lost a loved one and are struggling to come to terms with their loss. The impact of a bereavement often hits many months or even years after an event such as the pandemic and the money will ensure that we will continue to be there to support the people of Redditch whenever they need us, whether now or in the future”.

Cllr Brandon Clayton, whose portfolio covers Environmental Services at Redditch Borough Council, said: “We are currently living through a crisis period that will go down in history, the effects of which we have all experienced. To lose someone under normal circumstances is devastating, so to lose someone at the moment is even more difficult.

“We’re proud to nominate Cruse to receive this money for providing such vital support for our community. I know that this money will go some way to helping our residents deal with the stress, shock and trauma felt by the loss of a loved one at this challenging time. Thank you to Cruse and all of their staff for providing somewhere we can all turn to for help, should we need it.”

If you are struggling with the loss of a loved one, as a result of the pandemic or otherwise, Worcestershire Cruse Bereavement Care has useful advice and information on their website at any time of the day. Alternatively, get in touch with your local branch on 01905 22223 or email for help and assistance.