QUANTOCK Funeral Services has launched a free bereavement counselling service.

Families in the Wellington area struggling to come to terms with the loss of a loved one are to be offered free bereavement support as part of a new scheme offered by funeral directors and qualified counsellors.

The service is being made available to adult clients of Quantock Funeral Services as part of a partnership between trade association the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) and bereavement support specialist Professional Help Ltd.

The SAIFCare scheme is in response to the growing awareness of the need for many people to seek support following the death of a close friend or relative thanks to a number of recent high profile cases.

Last year Prince Harry spoke publicly about the pain of losing his mother Diana, Princess of Wales, and footballer Rio Ferdinand revealed in a television documentary how the death of his wife had affected him and their three children.

Under SAIFCare, family members will be offered up to six free counselling sessions, which can be used by one person or split between members of a family. The sessions, delivered by a qualified bereavement counsellor, can take place at a location of the bereaved person’s choosing or by phone and even online chat and email.

Corrinne Foster, managing director of Quantock Funeral Services, a member of SAIF, said the service would help families at a difficult time.

She said: “As funeral directors, we often see people at the start of their journey of grief and feel we would like to do more to assist, as we know that feelings of sadness and loss don’t end with the funeral.

“This service enables us to go above and beyond for the families in our care in order to ensure they get the support and advice they need at life’s most difficult time.”

Funeral profession trade association SAIF piloted the service with 13 of its funeral director members last year and identified a need to expand it across a wider area. Funeral directors who are members of the organisation have to opt in to offer the service.

SAIF chief executive Terry Tennens said demand for bereavement counselling was huge. He said: “It was clear from our trial that people really welcome and rely on the extra support from their funeral director, and we are certain this will be replicated as we roll the service out to more of our members across the UK.”