I write with reference to the very touching letter you published on March 8 about the closure of the bereavement service.

I can appreciate the distress and problems this person experienced as regards finding counselling on several levels. Firstly, I myself was bereaved in 1995 when my partner of 12 years died suddenly and I was obliged, through circumstance, to liaise with the hospital, organise the funeral and cremation and then deal with absolutely everything, including the appalling shock and terrible empty gaping hole in my life, where once had been my partner, entirely alone and unsupported.

I lived in Clapham at that time, and the only option available was Cruse, whom I contacted, but found they had a waiting list of over eight weeks.

I was desperate and needed someone to speak to there and then.

I found some small scrap of comfort in various books written by those having gone through the trauma of losing someone, but there is no substitute for someone just to listen, to be supportive and to understand.

Secondly, having since trained and become a counsellor, therapist and Reiki healer in private practice, (I am fully insured and a member of the Complementary Medical Association and at present I am in the process of joining Counselling, a registered charity who may be found at counselling.ltdco.uk). I am only too aware of how limited funds can limit clients' ability to access the help they seek.

I am a private practitioner - not rich and not a charity - but I know first hand what it's like to try coping without support when you are distressed and vulnerable.

I should therefore be happy to extend to any of your readers very reduced hourly fees that I already offer my clients who are of limited means. Anyone who feels they would like to can contact me or simply come along to meet for an initial session, with absolutely no obligation to return at the same reduced rate. I work with an emphasis on self-help books, internet resources, support groups and am happy to seek out alternative sources should my approach not suit a particular individual or meet their needs.

JULIA J B CLASBY MCMA, MASC (HPD) email j.clasby@btinternet.com telephone 020 8669 2931