CHRISTMAS can be a difficult time for anyone who has lost a loved one.

But one group is on hand to try to alleviate the loneliness and isolation people may be experiencing.

Parents Experiencing Adult Loss (PEAL) helps support not only parents whose grown-up children have died but also youngsters aged over 16 who have lost a brother or sister.

PEAL support services manager Angela Gerrard said siblings would often not ask for support following a bereavement as they felt this could add to their parents' pain.

"When an adult child dies, the dynamics of a family will change dramatically. A sibling who may have been the baby of the family may suddenly find themselves the eldest or vice versa.

"They see their parents' immense grief and sometimes don't want to add to this by admitting how terrible they're feeling about the loss.

"They keep things bottled up and then parents may feel their remaining child is handling everything well enough on their own."

Mrs Gerrard said Christmas was a time when losses would be felt most and hoped people would turn to PEAL for help.

"Unlike a personal, private celebration such as an anniversary or a birthday, bereaved people cannot escape Christmas. Everywhere they look, people will be preparing and getting into the festive spirit and this only serves to heighten the feelings of isolation and loss.

"We want people to know they aren't alone and there are so many other people feeling the same way as they are.

"If they get in touch with us we will do our utmost to help."

Anyone who would like support from PEAL can call 01905 723001.

The helpline is open Tuesdays and Fridays, including over the Christmas period.

If the office is unattended, messages can be left on an answer machine and someone from PEAL will aim to reply within 24 hours.