THE Mail’s Bouquet of the Week this time goes to a team of women who have been praised for offering a helping hand during a difficult time.

The family and bereavement support team from Ulverston-based charity St Mary's Hospice have been marked out for their caring touch in running their Make and Do Mend upcycling workshops, which combine practical skills with bereavement counselling.

Olivia Armistead, 25, nominated the team for the flowers on behalf of the workshop group members.

She said: “I wanted to nominate them because they have helped me on my journey after losing four grandparents very close together.

“It has been a difficult time but the members of the team have have gone above and beyond to help everyone. “They have been amazing and I really appreciate what they have done.

“They completely deserve this and should be recognised for the work they do.”

In the workshops, members of the group work with the team at the charity’s furniture outlet in Barrow to revitalise old items for selling in the shops.

The scheme was funded by a £20,000 by the Masonic Charitable Foundation

Olivia, from Barrow, said of the sessions: “There is a real sense of community in the group. It is great scheme because it gets us out of house and is something to do for those of us who benefit from keeping busy.

“It is very rewarding improving items to make money for the charity.

“It is not just me who is nominating. All the group would like to say thank you to them. I know how much we all appreciate what they have done."

The members of the team were thrilled to see their work appreciated.

Jackie Hool, bereavement coordinator at St Mary’s, said: “Our reward is seeing people’s journey and to walk with them on that journey.”

Health and social care apprentice Louise Tucker Louise Tucker, said: “As an apprentice who has recently worked alongside the family support Team, it is lovely to see the team being praised for the hard work they do.”

The family and support bereavement lead, Lynsey Lawson, said: “We offer a listening ear and a helping hand during a difficult time in their lives.”

If you know a special person or group of people you would like to nominate for our Bouquet of the Week, then please send your nominations and contact details to dan.taylor@newsquest.co.uk or call 01229 840150.