THE Living Tree, a cancer self-help and support group based in Bridport, were the latest recipients of a Bluebird Care Dorset Community Grant.

The money will go towards the cost of training a ‘soul midwife’ to support cancer patients and their families through the end of life. The £250 grant award from Bluebird Care helped to cover the £750 cost of putting an experienced care worker from the group through the course.

The Living Tree, which enables people to live well with and post cancer through weekly meetings, workshops, activities, complementary and creative therapies, group and one-to-one support, was set up in 2012 by Jo Millar and Jo O’Farrell.

Jo learnt of the grant after Pathways to Care, another Bridport-based charity, had received an award for their Good Neighbours scheme last year.

Jo said “We are very grateful to Bluebird Care for sharing our vision to be able to offer holistic and spiritual companionship to our members at the end of life.”

Sherry, who will be undertaking the training for the Living Tree, will then be able to offer this support to those in their own homes, or in hospitals, hospices or residential care, with the aim of helping sufferers face death with dignity, peace and tranquillity. She said when medicine and clinical support have reached their limits, soul midwives are there to provide a better experience for all, ensuring the passing of the soul is as gentle as can be.

She said: “I am so grateful to Bluebird Care for their generous grant, they along with many other benefactors have made this dream of becoming a soul midwife a reality for me.”

Cat Pearce, care manager for Bluebird Care’s Bridport and Dorchester offices said: “We are delighted to be able to support The Living Tree through the provision of a community grant.

“It is clear to see how having a trained soul midwife in the local area will be invaluable to both those at end of life and their families in terms of ensuring that their entire range of support needs are met. The existence and maintenance of such services is essential to Dorset’s rural communities and we are pleased to have been able to contribute towards this.”