Comforting a child after a loved one has passed away is one of the hardest tasks there is. Andrea Calvesbert finds out about a charity that is helping youngsters and their relatives to start living again.

Gone but not forgotten... Helping cjildren come to terms with the loss of a loved one who now only exists in cherished photos and memories is the mission of Noahs Ark Trust.

A death in the family is devastating for everyone, but encouraging children to deal with their loss can be difficult, if not impossible. That is where Worcester-based charity Noah's Ark Trust can step in with help and support.

The trust, founded in 1998 by the Countess of Coventry, gives grief support to children and young people and their families in Worcestershire and Herefordshire and has proved to be a lifeline for many families struggling to cope with bereavement.

Most importantly, the service is provided to families who need it free of charge and the trust relies on fundraising and grants to cover its £300,000 annual running costs, as well as a trusty band of about 70 volunteers.

Anyone can access the trust and children are usually referred either by the family themselves or through a doctor or school. Professionals and volunteers then work on a one to one basis with the family offering on going support and counselling, usually leading to a residential weekend at Malvern Hills Outdoor Centre.

Sue Smith, fundraising manager, said: "Here, children and young people have an opportunity to share experiences, remember the person who has died, make friends with others who have suffered similarly and learn to have fun again."

Parents can also take part in their own residential weekend at the same time on the same site, joining their children at the end of the weekend.

Reading some of the letters sent to the trust reveals just how important this service is to more than 200 children and their families who are helped each year.

Such comments as: "To share your personal tragedies with strangers is certainly not easy, but the team at Noah's Ark undoubtedly helped everyone and opened the door to a new day. There is no promise that the new day will be a good one, but the weekend should help everyone to be stronger and wiser."

Another family wrote: "Thank you from the bottom of my heart for providing the help and support you have to our family by starting the Noah's Ark project. Without you I am not sure we would have survived. I only hope the project will continue to thrive and provide the support and assistance for other families like mine that desperately need it."

The trust always welcomes any fundraising help such as coffee mornings or other projects to help pay for all areas of its work. Each residential weekend, for example, costs nearly £5,000 to run. It is also interested to hear from anyone wanting to know more about becoming a volunteer and helping bereaved families.

Volunteers are carefully selected, interviewed, trained and supervised by qualified professional Noah's Ark staff. Anyone interested in finding out more can contact Noah's Ark on 01905 745735.