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Our story
Our Story
Camden City Islington and Westminster Bereavement Service has been supporting people through grief for more than half a century. Its story began in 1969, when organised bereavement support was still a new idea and grief was rarely spoken about openly.
The early days
The original Camden Bereavement Project grew from a partnership between Camden Council of Social Service and Dr Colin Murray Parkes of the Tavistock Institute of Human Relations, one of the pioneers of modern bereavement research. Early correspondence shows discussions with Parkes were already under way in 1968, before the project formally began.
Parkes's research was helping to deepen understanding of grief and provided the theoretical foundations for Camden's approach. The project began in July 1969, initially operating from Swiss Cottage Citizens' Advice Bureau. Carefully selected volunteers were trained and supported to visit bereaved people, giving them something that could otherwise be difficult to find: time and space to talk openly about the person who had died and the feelings surrounding their loss.
The idea proved its value. The project expanded across Camden and developed both a visiting service and an educational role, sharing knowledge about bereavement with professionals and other organisations. A part-time co-ordinator was appointed in 1978, while trained volunteers remained central to the service.
The idea proved its value. The project expanded across Camden and developed both a visiting service and an educational role, sharing knowledge about bereavement with professionals and other organisations. A part-time co-ordinator was appointed in 1978, while trained volunteers remained central to the service.
That expertise was also called upon following traumatic loss. After the King's Cross fire in 1987, Camden Bereavement Service was among the organisations supporting the King's Cross Support Team and those affected by the disaster.
Over the years our area of benefit grew beyond Camden to include neighbouring London boroughs, with changes to the charity's name reflecting that widening reach. Yet the principle established in 1969 has remained remarkably constant: providing a safe, compassionate place in which bereaved people can be heard.
People at the heart of our story
Our past patrons included Colin Murray Parkes, whose pioneering work helped shape the service from its earliest days, and Michael Palin, whose family has a longstanding connection with the charity.
Michael's late wife, Helen Palin, joined the charity in 1990 and served at its heart for more than 30 years. Deeply committed to the service, Helen contributed in many different ways — as a counsellor, assessor, office worker, trustee, advocate and hands-on fundraiser.
Her contribution reflects something that has defined our story from the beginning: people giving their skills, time and humanity so that those experiencing bereavement do not have to face grief alone.
Milestones
1968
1969
1970s
1978
1987
1990s
1998
Today
Early discussions with Colin Murray Parkes about establishing the project.
Camden Bereavement Project begins.
The service expands across Camden and develops its educational work.
First paid part-time co-ordinator appointed.
Support provided following the King's Cross fire.
The service's area of benefit expands beyond Camden.
The established service incorporates as a charitable company.
More than 55 years of supporting bereaved people.