“Sometimes people just want to grit their teeth and get through it,” is not how you would usually expect someone to describe Christmas.

But for people reeling from the loss of a loved one, a normally-happy festive period can be particularly tough, and bereavement counsellor Judi Smith is one of a 30-strong group of volunteers who are ready to take calls from people struggling to cope.

The Bradford Bereavement Support (BBS) service, based at offices in Cornwall Place, off Manningham Lane, is starting a training course to increase its capacity and reduce waiting times which can be up to 12 weeks.

Mrs Smith, 52, of Oakworth, Keighley, said: “Bereavement was something that touched me personally as there have been a few deaths in my family.

“We all know people who have died and people don’t know what to say.

“There is a lot of taboo around death – people are worried about upsetting their families so they keep things bottled up.

“Those who are grieving need to be reassured that what they are feeling is normal.”

She said she views her work with the service over the last four and a half years as a personal achievement, and she is rewarded by the knowledge that the group is making a difference.

She said: “I get a lot of personal satisfaction out of what I do and I know we have helped a lot of people.

“It is incredibly difficult at Christmas – sometimes people just want to grit their teeth and get through it.

“The service is a lifeline.”

BBS is appealing for volunteers to begin a ten-week training course, which starts on January 17 and will be held on Tuesdays and the occasional Saturday.

To be eligible for the course the volunteer should have completed a 30-hour basic counselling skills course or be able to demonstrate that they have a level of “personal awareness and emotional maturity” in keeping with the demands of the training.

To find out more contact Melanie or Jenny on (01274) 771546 as soon as possible.

The deadline for course applications is Christmas Eve.

email: tanya.orourke @telegraphandargus.co.uk