A CHARITY bereavement service for parents who suffer the death of a grown-up child is desperately seeking more cash help - and more volunteers - to help it thrive in Wyre Forest.

Parents Experiencing Adult Loss (PEAL) is a free service helping families come to terms with the loss of a child aged 16 or over.

The charity was established in Worcester in 1991 when founder, Diane Williams, realised there were too few organisations offering specialist help for families in these circumstances.

The charity was extended into Wyre Forest last year and has already helped many families.

Last year, some 45 new families were supported, while continued help was given to dozens more people.

The organisation secured £134,000 Lottery funding in 2001 for three years but that help ends soon. A new application for funding would be going in but extra cash help was vitally needed to continue to extend the support network, she added.

The organisation was also seeking new volunteers able to train as bereavement supporters

The charity is also looking for people willing to help out with the charity's website, with fund-raising or by bringing their professional expertise to the charity's board of trustees.

Anyone willing to help should call the charity helpline on 01905 723001. The service is manned on Tuesdays from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and Fridays from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Messages left at other times will usually get a response within 24 hours.