St Albans Bereavement Network's new support centre opens in St Albans

St Albans Bereavement Network (SABN) will now be located in St Catherine Street and was opened by The city’s mayor, Annie Brewster.

Established in 2002, the charity has until recently been operating from offices at the Trinity United Reform Church.

The more central location provides additional space to provide advice, support and counselling to bereaved adults and children.

The Mayor said: "I am delighted to open these new premises for St Albans Bereavement Network. The charity is an invaluable part of the community and does wonderful work to support bereaved adults, families, young and children in St Albans district.

"I know many people have received emotional and practical help from the network at a time of great need.

"On behalf of the community, I thank the 100 or so trained volunteers who offer support, home visits and counselling to the bereaved."

The charity was founded by Dr Mary Groves Rowe MBE and Reverend Colin Rowe who both also attended the opening.

Dr Michael Elves, Chairman of SABN, said: "I am very grateful to the mayor, our patrons, and everyone who has supported us in our move to these great new premises.

"There is an office and counselling room space which is really fit for purpose and will allow us to increase the level of support we offer to people of all ages. Its central location in the city means that we are now much more accessible.

"The charity was set up in response to concerns raised in the local community that bereaved people had no one to turn to.

"The network supports bereaved children, young people and families as well as adults. "We also advise professionals, organisations and carers and the number of people we help continues to grow."

For more information about St Albans Bereavement Network visit: http://www.sabn.org.uk/

It now handles more than 1,500 calls a year to its helpline 01727 841841 and provides more than 5,000 hours of counselling support.