A CHARITY voluntary bereavement service for parents experiencing adult loss is looking for volunteers, especially men, to come forward.

PEAL (parents experiencing adult loss) is a free bereavement service which helps parents whose child aged 16 or over has died, or anyone aged 16 or over whose brother or sister has died.

The charity, which covers Worcestershire, offers one-to-one support, support groups and a helpline.

It works to enable people, over time, to pick up the threads of life and living, so their loss does not remain a negative experience.

The group held a cheese and wine event at the end of last week, where trustees, staff, volunteers and parents were on hand to talk about different perspectives of PEAL's work throughout Worcestershire.

The charity is now urging volunteers, especially men, to work with fathers, and brothers individually, or as part of the group work PEAL provides.

PEAL, which began in late 1999, is also looking for volunteers who can help with administrative tasks, or fund-raising.

Angela Gerrard, PEAL's support services manager, said the charity helps adults of any age, but many are middle-aged.

"Maybe their son or daughter of adolescent age has been in a car accident, or died from a drugs-related death," she said.

"We have some older clients who have middle-aged children who have died of cancer."

Tom and Amy Hughes from Bewdley are just two people who have been helped by PEAL.

Their 39-year-old son John, died four years ago, from dilated cardiomyopathy, also known as Sudden Death Syndrome.

"When something like this happens, you think you are never going to laugh again," said Mrs Hughes.

"It's nice to think that you can come somewhere like this.

"You meet other people at PEAL and you can have a social life again."

PEAL meets on the second and fourth Monday every month at St Swithun's Institute, The Trinity, Worcester city centre from 7.30pm till 9pm.

Anyone aged 18 or over, who would be interested in volunteering can call PEAL's recruitment line on 01905 723001.