A WORCESTER-based trust has been given £7,000 to fund a residential weekend for children and their guardians.

Noah's Ark was founded in 1998 to provide grief support to bereaved children and young people. One of the most crucial elements of the grief support process is the residential weekends for children and their parents.

The weekends are held at the Malvern Hills Outdoor Centre and involve different activities designed to challenge the children and young people, including climbing high poles and crossing valleys. The focus on the activities is to build self-esteem and self-confidence.

Susan Smith, fund-raising manager at Noah's Ark Trust said: "Prior to the weekend, most children will have had one-to-one support.

"The weekends are often the first time they discover they are not alone in their grief and can share their experiences with other children. The grant will fund one of the forthcoming weekends."

The money was received through the Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales Community Open Programme. Melinda Connelly, West Midlands manager for the Lloyds TSB Foundation said, "It is clear that the work of the Trust is making a big difference for each individual child who attends one of the weekends. We have previously supported the Trust and it is a pleasure to see their work continue to grow."

The Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales supports charities that help disadvantaged people to play a fuller role in the community. Local or regional charities with an income of £1 million or less in the West Midlands can find out more about the funding criteria and grant programmes at www.lloydstsbfoundations.org.uk The Trust is currently recruiting for volunteers, including those who are interested in working one-to-one with bereaved children and also people with fund raising or administration experience. Full training is provided. It is also now providing training for those who work with young people in the community. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should call 01905 745735.