In the course of analysing the services available in Kingston in 1986, Myra Fulford, the
General Secretary of Kingston Council for Voluntary Services, became aware of the lack of
any bereavement counselling service. She convened a meeting of agencies and individuals
who might be interested in working in this field in September 1987. Another meeting
was held at which a steering committee was formed. By the end of that year a
constitution for registration with Charity Commissioners was being drawn up and an active
search for a permanent "home" for Kingston Bereavement Service was underway.
In the first six months of 1988, the first group of counsellors was recruited and
trained, publicity material was produced. Avenues for funding were discussed, and
the money needed for each of the activities undertaken was found. Counsellors
were grouped in threes, and each three was linked to a committee member, so that contact
with the service as a whole could be maintained.
The second half of 1988 saw KBS registered with the Charity Commissioners, moving
towards having a paid co-ordinator, and having an official "launch".
January 1989 saw KBS up and running costs for three years, with a co-ordinator in post,
working from its own office. An administrative assistant was appointed, and
more supervisors for the increasing number of counsellors were also appointed.
The first General Meeting of the Kingston Bereavement Service was held in June 1989 at
which the constitution was officially adapted and the Steering Committee was replaced by a
Management Committee. Over the next two years, the work of the service was
consolidated, and it came to be acknowledged as offering very professional care for the
bereaved, delivering a professionally acceptable service to clients.
The Service aims to provide three areas of bereavement support:
- One to one bereavement counselling.
- Education, training and publicity around bereavement issues.
- Increasing awareness about bereavement.
Kingston Bereavement Service operates an active Equal Opportunities Policy, aiming to
recruit volunteers from, and to offer counselling to, all sections of the community in
Kingston. The service is especially keen to encourage applications from: the black
and minority ethnic communities, lesbians and gay men, people with disabilities - as these
groups are currently under-represented in the organisation.
Training of volunteers takes place annually, with a detailed selection procedure.
Prospective counsellors are advised not to apply if they have been through a
significant bereavement within the past two years or anticipate one in the near future.
Candidates are selected on the basis of personal qualities, not on academic or
professional qualifications or background.
Further details about the service can be obtained from:
Andrew Richardson
Co-ordinator
Kingston Bereavement Service
Wel-care House
53 Canbury Park Road
Kingston
Surrey
KT2 6LQ
Tel: 0208 547 1552
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