BEREAVED relatives are being offered free counselling by the Child Bereavement Trust.

Healthcare professionals working towards the Bereavement Counselling Diploma are urging individuals or families affected by death to visit the trust's headquarters in West Wycombe High Street.

"It is a very rare opportunity for grieving families to be counselled by a professional health worker without the usual obstacles of waiting or in some cases having to pay and it is local," said Louise Wiggins, of the trust.

Students are working towards the diploma, accredited by the University of Greenwich, but need to gain vital one-to-one experience before gaining the qualification.

And those who do come forward will know they are playing a vital role in improving support services for those touched by grief, she said.

"Here at the Trust we aim to train and educate health workers across the country about the sensitive issues surrounding loss and are trying to ensure there is a strong support system in place in all health environments," added Ms Wiggins.

The hour-long sessions are offered over five weekends beginning at the end of July and lasting until December.

Anyone interested can contact the trust's office on 01494 446648.