Winchester Bereavement Support to receive donation from RWGC

The golf club has just named WBS as its charity for the year and expects to raise a five-figure sum to enable WBS to help those who seek its support. <i>(Image: WBS)</i>
The golf club has just named WBS as its charity for the year and expects to raise a five-figure sum to enable WBS to help those who seek its support. (Image: WBS)
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New figures show a 50 per cent increase in demand for Winchester Bereavement Support's services over the last year.

The charity, which assists those dealing with the loss of a loved one, is now preparing to meet this increased demand after being named the charity of the year by Royal Winchester Golf Club.

The golf club expects to generate a five-figure sum to help the charity provide support and listening services to those in need.

RWGC captain John Quinn said: "WBS do great, great work. Our club has made a commitment to support WBS so they can continue their work and to help them grow their services both to meet existing demand and increase their geographical area of support."

"Anyone who has lost someone close knows just how difficult it is to cope with. Whilst many people have great networks of support, many do not. And others feel more comfortable talking to someone trained in listening and understanding. These are the needs that WBS help fulfil."

Since its founding in 1982, WBS has seen a significant growth in demand, with nearly 50 per cent more clients just this year.

(Image: WBS)

The donation from Royal Winchester Golf Club will aid WBS in expanding its team of trained volunteers, with the aim of doubling the number of individuals they can support.

Leonie Mountney, chair of WBS, said: "We are thrilled and so grateful to have been chosen by the Royal Winchester Golf Club as this year's charity.

"Such a generous donation, at a time when there are more calls for our services, means we can enlist more Bereavement Visitors and their professionally trained Supervisors to help many more people struggling to come to terms with the death of a loved one."

Research by the National Bereavement Alliance indicates that unresolved grief can result in psychological and physical health issues, highlighting the importance of support services like WBS.

WBS offers a free, confidential, one-to-one home visit or telephone service for anyone aged 18 or over within a 10-mile radius of Winchester, including Romsey, Chandlers Ford, Sutton Scotney and Alresford.

Leonie said: "We want people to know we are here for anyone grieving at any time. Just a phone call or email is the first port of call to get the help of a Bereavement Visitor."

Adults at any stage of bereavement can contact WBS at support@wbs.org.uk or by phoning 07450 649679.

Those interested in volunteering with WBS can reach out at info@wbs.org.uk.

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