A CHARITY which helped more than 500 bereaved people in York and North Yorkshire last year says it is getting fewer volunteers - just as demand for its services is increasing.

York Cruse Bereavement Care says people may think its volunteers’ work is depressing but they actually find it "stimulating and rewarding", and more are needed to come forward.

Spokeswoman Penny Marriner said its highly qualified volunteers provided support to 512 people last year, including 90 children.

She said losing a loved one could be the most devastating experience, as "everyday life suddenly changes, leaving a bleak and hopeless outlook".

She said: "Help through this devastating time is available with Cruse Bereavement Care, the only national bereavement charity in the UK, which supports thousands of people annually.

“We are looking for people who like helping people and are good listeners. Volunteers support each other and far from being depressing find the work stimulating and rewarding.

“The commitment is just a few hours each week, with appointments fitting into the volunteers' own schedule. Travelling expenses are reimbursed and volunteers are asked to attend the monthly volunteers' meeting.” She said a training course was starting in York on September 8.

She said one client recently said in a thank you letter that they would have struggled to come to terms with their loss had it not been for Cruse’s help, adding: "You most definitely helped restore hope in my life.”

Another had written: “My sessions with Cruse have absolutely turned my life around. I feel so much better in myself and in accepting that my mum has gone.”

One of the volunteers, Sue Gill, said death was not an easy subject to talk about and people struggled to find help and support. “However it gives a great feeling of satisfaction seeing them so much happier at the final session.”

For information, phone 01937 834702, email york@cruse.org.uk or go to www.yorkcruse.com. For referrals ring: 01904 481162.