Ipswich Pop-up shop to help bereavement charity
Coping after the death of a partner or another member of the family can be really tough.
Nationally, and locally, the bereavement charity Cruise helps by providing trained counsellors to assist people during the grieving process.
In Suffolk, though, where there are four branches of Cruse, there is something of a financial crisis.
The charity had to suspend support for new adult referrals as a result during the summer months.
Supporter Stevie Schofield wants to help the charity.
The Ipswich mother is appealing for support, and gifts of goods, to present a Pop-up Shop within Gymophobics, in Princes Street, Ipswich for three days during October.
“I am looking for good quality ladies clothing, shoes, accesories, jewellery etc as well as household items, in good condition, such as kitchenware, ornaments, vases and cushions.
“We want to get everything sorted and labelled well in advance,” she said.
Elizabeth Murphey, Ipswich area chairman of Cruse in Suffolk, said: “We are desperately short of funds.
“We are a tucked away charity, working quietly and dealing with a taboo subject - we don’t have much of a community profile.
“Fundraising is difficult and local authority funding, and grants, have dropped off.
“We rely on a lot of voluntary support.
“We support anybody with any kind of bereavement and children and teenagers as well.
“We have 80 volunteers across the county who need supporting in their work.
“Ideally a sum of £80,000 a year would help.
“We have tried to cut costs and in Ipswich we are very fortunate to be given a home in the Co-op Funeral Service in St Helen’s Street, and we have a small rented office in Bury St Edmunds.
“Stevie is doing a great job, with her fundraising, and in raising the profile of the charity.
“If we can raises some funds, we hope to be in a position soon to take on new clients.”
Stevie Schofield is planning to spend the next few weeks preparing for the special event.
The Pop-up shop is going to be in Gymophobics on Thursday and Friday October 20 and 21, from 10am to 2pm, and on Saturday October 22, from 9am to 12noon.
If you can help, contact Stevie Schofield on 01473 225725 or telephone the office on 01473 230659 for more information.
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