GOOD-HEARTED people could be helping make a life-changing difference to bereaved young people in the Malvern Hills, says a new charity.

Bereavement group Guy’s Gift has finally achieved charitable status and bosses are now keen to recruit more caseworkers, who will go out and work with youngsters coping with the loss of a loved one.

It freely supports Worcestershire youngsters between the ages of five and 18 and works on referrals from other agencies such as schools.

The charity has already taken on a large number of cases in the county after offering to extend its services from Warwickshire when Noah’s Ark Trust went into liquidation late last year.

Volunteers are needed in a number of key areas, including oneto- one and group bereavement working, fund-raising and raising awareness about the charity.

Stuart Potter, charity service manager, said: “We had a good response when we set up, offering us resources and a group saying they would give us craft materials for the youngsters. But we’re ready to start training volunteers now, and they would get continual refreshers following their initial training in the job.”

The charity is going to have a rolling programme, training between 10 and 20 volunteers.

After a full initial training period split over four full-day sessions – and a successful CRB background check – volunteers who wish to carry out bereavement support would be able to go on to do individual and group work.

Being able to travel is important for one-to-one and group working, as these are usually held in church halls, schools and locations convenient to the client.

“We often get people who say they don’t think they have the skills,” said Mr Potter. “But being a good listener is really the key. And they need to be able to spare a few hours a week.”

For more details, visit Guys Gift.co.uk or call 0845 4673035