New client bereavement counselling service
SAIF members can now sign up for a new bereavement counselling service which can be offered to clients who are struggling to cope with the death of a loved one.
SAIF Care will provide free and confidential help for family members or close friends who feel they need extra support. The service includes a telephone helpline, email advice, online chat facility and six face-to-face sessions.
Members who join will be able to provide the service to their clients free of charge – further showcasing the professional and personal approach they offer as Independents. Members who offer SAIF Care will pay a small annual cost based on their membership grade.
The scheme, which will be run by Professional Help, an organisational member of the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy, will officially launch in March 2018. But firms that sign up now can enjoy several benefits.
The launch comes when there is growing recognition of the number of people in the UK who struggle with their mental health following the death of a loved one. A recent survey by Child Bereavement UK revealed that one in four British adults who have been bereaved of a close family member said they felt lonely and 23% wished their friends had called to talk with them.
Terry Tennens, Chief Executive of SAIF, said: “Mental health is an issue close to the heart of many of our members. I am very pleased that we are able to provide this exciting and very important new service to support bereaved families during a difficult time. SAIF members who sign up to offer SAIF Care can further demonstrate the professional and personal service they offer as an independent funeral director.”
For more information, contact 01279 726 777 or email SAIF.
Tags: aftercare, benefit, bereavement, care, client, counselling, grief, membership, SAIF, service, Terry Tennens