Grief counselling service defunded despite tenfold surge in calls

Despite demand for the service sky-rocketing, the organisation, this year, has lost crucial funding.

Source: David Cheskin/PA Wire

Demand for grief counselling across Australia has surged tenfold during the COVID-19 pandemic, says one national volunteer-based organisation, Griefline.

Board Co-Chair Sarah Godfrey says the influx is largely due to social isolation caused by the pandemic.

With resources stretched to the limits, Ms Godfrey says volunteer counsellers have been unable to respond to around 30 per cent of calls.

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