THE parents of a teenager stabbed to death in Nottingham are set to start their own support group for families of murder victims.
Angela Spencer and John Greensmith will launch the group later this month for those bereaved by gun, knife or other violent crime.
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Help at hand: Angela Spencer and John Greenwood, who have set up a new bereavement support group.
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Victim: Jason Spencer who was stabbed to death in Sherwood. Angela's son and John's stepson, Jason Spencer, 17, was killed in Tithby Drive, Sherwood, in March 2007 and the couple say the best counselling they received was from people who had been through similar traumatic experiences.
They have now raised enough money through the Jason Spencer Trust to start their own support group, which will be based at Sherwood Community Centre, in Mansfield Road.
Ms Spencer, 40, said: "Though other people try to be empathetic and understanding towards the bereaved, the only person who truly can speak the same language is somebody who has experienced a similar bereavement.
"Although grieving after the loss of a loved one is different for everyone, it may help to talk to others who are experiencing the same thing. Our bereavement support group gives us all a great opportunity to talk to others about their loss, share tips on coping and support each other throughout the grieving process."
Mr Greensmith said: "We know first hand the devastating and traumatic effects after a violent and sudden death of a loved one. We also know how difficult it is to find the right kind of help and support which is so badly needed.
"Throughout our campaigning to highlight the lack of support for homicide victims, we sincerely hope by offering a support group it will give people the reassurance that they are not alone."
The couple's ultimate aim is to raise enough money through the trust for a purpose-built centre to support other families rocked by violent crime.
But they are still some distance from the £750,000 fundraising target.
The self-help group is due to meet for the first time at the Sherwood Community Centre on Friday, September 30. Monthly sessions are planned there on the last Friday of each month between 6pm and 9pm.
People can also have one-to-one counselling by appointment.
For more details about the group, call 07779 552867 or visit www.thejasonspencertrust.co.uk
