Bereavement charity boosted by £10,000 donation from Exeter Crematorium

Grief Encounter South West, a charity that provides bereavement support to children and young people, has received a timely cash boost of £10,000 from the operators of Exeter & Devon Crematorium.

The Crematorium and Memorial Group (CMG) were able to make the donation due to Exeter & Devon Crematorium participating in a nationwide metal recycling scheme administered by the Association of Private Crematoria and Cemeteries. The scheme sees metals which have been recovered from the cremation process recycled with the express consent of bereaved families and the profit donated to charity.

For the past 12 months, CMG has set aside a fund to help local charities whose fundraising has been deeply impacted by Covid-19 but have adapted to continue providing services and support.

Grief Encounter South West provides free professional bereavement support to children and young people in Devon and other areas of the south west following the death of a loved one. Sadly, one child in every UK classroom will experience the death of someone close by the time they reach 16 years old.  Grief Encounter help with the confusion, loneliness and pain of bereavement by providing a lifeline with immediate, one-to-one support. 

Debbie James, Manager of Exeter & Devon Crematorium said: “When Grief Encounter South West approached us for help, we could immediately recognise the challenges they now face. We are delighted to help fund their activities to ensure that young people in our communities receive the support they need.”

Commenting on the donation, Chelsea Harding, Fundraising Manager for Grief Encounter South West, said: “We are so grateful for CMG’s recent, generous donation of £10,000 which will provide support to grieving children throughout the pandemic and beyond. In this unprecedented situation with Covid-19, our service is more important than ever. Our fundraising has been impacted during this time as events and sponsored challenges have been cancelled but it’s vital that we continue to support the many children and families affected by death.”