A FUNERAL group is ensuring free bereavement services can continue through lockdown.

Douch Family Funeral Directors has continued to offer free sessions in its branches in Corfe Mullen and Blandford.

The group, which runs seven branches in east Dorset, has for some time offered bereavement counselling, open to all.

Emma Regan from the group said: “We really believe that our role doesn’t stop with the funeral but continues afterwards with bereavement counselling.

“We decided at the outset to open the sessions to anyone in the area and Covid and the lockdowns have made them more important than ever.

“With venues being closed during the first lockdown we moved online and to the phone, but then returned when restrictions were relaxed.

“For this lockdown we have been able to continue running sessions in Blandford and our Ferndown group is meeting at our Corfe Mullen branch.

“We are fortunate to have these facilities which enable us to continue face-to-face sessions.”

She added: “Counselling has been extremely important for many people during the Covid crisis.

“Losing a loved one during the pandemic has meant a difficult time has been made much harder for families.

“Many people were unable to attend funerals due to the numbers being restricted and were unable to say a proper goodbye.

“Anyone wishing to join a group or receive counselling should call one of our branches.

“The Douch Family are a partner of Our Dorset Open Door bereavement support initiative, which includes other partners such as the NHS, CCG, Cruse, Mosaic, Dorset Mind, Community Action Group and more.”

The group includes Douch & Small, A E Jolliffe & Son, Albert Marsh, James Smith, Ives & Shand and Lesley Shand Funeral Service. They’re based in Wimborne, Ferndown, Wareham, Poole, Swanage, Blandford and Corfe Mullen.