CHILD Bereavement UK and Leeds City council are joining forces to help young people who have lost a parent or family member.

A new service, is offering a telephone helpline, one-to-one support and group sessions.

The charity’s director of regional development Shirley Potts, said: “Nearly 800 children a week, in this country, experience the death of a parent. Many more will experience the death of a grandparent or other family member. It’s therefore crucial that they have someone to turn to in these hard times.”

She added: “Grieving is a natural process, not an illness, but the consequences of unresolved grief issues can be dire. Sometimes struggles with bereavement can be hidden behind challenging behaviour, anxiety or other responses. That’s why we believe in offering basic bereavement support to those who need it.”

The free service is available to young people up to the age of 18 and their families living in Leeds. For more information visit www.childbereavementuk.org/leeds or call 0113 350 3598.