We continue with our training programme and this has included teacher training days, training days for various organisations as well as inset days for whole school staff. We now also have a member of staff trained to the same level as a volunteer in 23 schools across the county and hope to continue this programme with another 25 schools in the Autumn. Staff are thereafter offered 6-weekly supervision from CHUMS. This project has lessened the number of children requiring individual support from CHUMS and referral is made only for a more complex need. Many of the children still attend a CHUMS workshop.

We have also produced a pack for schools for use during PSHE lessons on loss and grief, which includes a powerpoint presentation and video. This has been gratefully received and can be borrowed from the office.

We have trained approximately 380 education and health professionals across the county in loss and grief, attended various community awareness days and given talks to various groups and organisations.

December saw us complete the volunteer training programme and 26 new volunteers have joined the service bringing the total of volunteers to 87 which also includes volunteer drivers and others who help with our workshop programme as well as those working more directly with children. Some of the new volunteers have received accreditation from the open college network.

Ongoing bi-monthly training is also offered to volunteers on a variety of topics including traumatic death, child protection, the death of a child, suicide, self harm, anger management etc.

Co-ordinating this number of volunteers is not an easy task although it is wonderful to have so many committed to the service. There is always a huge amount happening and volunteers participate in workshops for children and teenagers, parents groups, family visits, individual support, training, administrative support, driving, organising resources, supervision, communication meetings, family days, remembrance service etc. Without the help of volunteers the service would not be able to function.

This year 6 volunteers have become team leaders and support approximately 12 volunteers each at this current time. It is hoped that this will help volunteers feel connected to a smaller group of people rather than be overwhelmed by the larger organisation. The plan is for team members to work together undertaking activities .

The coming year will see us linking with Luton University to train 10 mentors who will support children who have been bereaved through the death of a parent to play football, go shopping, play games or go to the cinema. They will have some training but will primarily be available for social support and befriending.