Cruse was founded in 1959 by Margaret Torrie, the widow of a leading Consultant Psychiatrist, and initially provided support for 26 widows near her house in Richmond.

It obtained its name from a Cruse, or earthenware jar, from which a widow shared her last drops of oil with a stranger, who happed to be the Hebrew Prophet Elijah. As a result of her generosity the jar always refilled itself.

Cruse expanded in 1980 to take on widowers and now we attempt to provide support for all who have been bereaved by death, and request our help.

There are over 130 Branches in the U.K. and our Canterbury & Thanet Branch was started in 1990.  Our work is entirely voluntary and is free to our clients who are mainly visited in their own homes, and are provided with one-to-one counselling by our trained Bereavement Volunteers. We also run Friendship and Support Groups when necessary for suitable clients.

Day by Day Helpline                                                            
0844 477 9400
Open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm
or email us at: helpline@cruse.org.uk