A charity that helps grieving people is continuing to work during the pandemic.

Cruse Bereavement Care Isle of Man (Cruse) is helping the alternative methods the charity is offering in keeping with government guidelines.

’We want to reassure people that we are still here and can find a way to support you through your grief,’ said Amanda Cafearo, chief executive officer of Cruse.

’We are offering remote support sessions, either confidential telephone or online face-to-face support.’

The charity says it is keen to preempt an anticipated spike in demand once more restrictions are lifted.

Joney Faragher works with younger bereaved children.

She believes families are finding it difficult to use remote support for their bereaved children.

’We absolutely empathise with parents in these challenging times,’ she said.

’But we don’t know when our school support may be able to re-commence, so we really want to urge parents of bereaved children to give our remote support a try.’

Ms Faragher said that children ’revisit’ their grief at significant times.

’We’re aware that this time may constitute a significant milestone for bereaved children, in which their grief will be more intense. We want to address these needs.’

The children and young people’s support service is offering confidential online one-to-one support sessions either for the parent of a bereaved child or the child themselves.

It can provide advice and guidance for any parent, carer or children’s practitioner about supporting bereaved children.

Its service is adapting and evolving in line with the situation, and the service is urging people to get in touch to find out what support would best fit their circumstances.

Ms Cafearo said: ’With almost all aspects of our lives changing during this time, anxiety and stress can often be high among bereaved children, young people and their families. Cruse are here to provide a safe space for all those that need support at this challenging time."

Cruse Bereavement Care Isle of Man is a free, voluntary and confidential bereavement support service available for everyone. It can be contacted on 668191, or [email protected].

Cruse Bereavement Care Isle of Man has operating since 1988 and is partly-funded by the Department of Health and Social Care.

It relies on other donations and volunteers to operate.