GREAT Oaks Hospice in Coleford has received a £7,500 grant to expand bereavement support services 

The hospice has been awarded this significant funding as part of Gloucestershire County Council’s Thriving Communities Grant programme. 

The £7,500 will enhance its bereavement support services, ensuring that more people in the Forest of Dean can access the care they need. 

The grant programme, with over £400,000 available this year, aims to strengthen local organisations that help people stay well and live independently. 

Since its inception in 2018, the programme has invested £2.4 million across 310 projects, creating a lasting impact on communities throughout Gloucestershire. 

This year, the council is inviting community groups to apply for a share of the funding, with applications open from Monday, 2 September, until Sunday, 13 October 2024. 

Great Oaks Hospice was one of the many beneficiaries of the grant last year. The funding enabled the hospice to recruit two new counsellors for its bereavement café, allowing them to significantly expand their services. 

As a result, the waiting list for counselling services has nearly halved, reaching its lowest level since 2021. This development has been a lifeline for adults living with a life-limiting illness, their families, and those coping with the loss of a loved one. 

Cllr Carole Allaway-Martin, cabinet member for adult social care commissioning at Gloucestershire County Council, praised the impact of the Thriving Communities Grant: “I am delighted to see what a positive impact the Thriving Communities Grant is having on such a diverse range of organisations across Gloucestershire. It’s wonderful to see the grants helping local groups to support people to stay fit and healthy, reduce isolation, and improve general wellbeing.” 

The success of Great Oaks Hospice is just one example of how the Thriving Communities Grant is making a tangible difference in the Forest of Dean. With the next round of funding now open, local community and voluntary groups are encouraged to apply, continuing the work of fostering stronger, healthier, and more connected communities. 

For those interested in applying for the grant or learning more about the impact of the Thriving Communities initiative, full details and case studies are available on the Gloucestershire County Council website.