Bereavement Research Forum

	About the BRF
Aims	The main purpose of the Bereavement Research Forum is to: 1. Provide a forum to debate current/future research 2. Influence policy makers and funders of research 3. Support and encourage both producers (researchers) and users of research (both academics and practitioners)
History	- How was the Forum formed ? The Forum was established in 1990 as a small gathering of researchers whose main aim was to support each other's work. Since then membership has grown considerably as interest in bereavement issues has developed and increasing numbers of bereavement services have been established.
Organisation	- Who Runs the Forum ? The Steering Committee takes on the task of raising funds and organising activities/programmes to meet members' needs. It also promotes the group, deals with applications from prospective new members and liaises with other relevant bodies. The Committee is elected at the Annual General meeting following a membership ballot. The aim of the Steering Committee is to promote the successful development of the Forum, whilst at the same time maintaining informal, flexible and low-cost approaches wherever possible. For further details, see the Constitution.
Members	- Who is the Forum for ? The BRF is for those: * Currently engaged in research * Planning research * Considering research involvement * Concerned with the dissemination and interpretation of research * Concerned with the implementation of research * Developing an organisational research agenda - What does the Forum do for its Members ? Meetings At least three times a year we organise meetings, aimed at the needs of researchers. These will usually include in-depth presentations or discussions of current research work by members or invited speakers and aspects of theory or methodology. The mornings usually focus on presentations, whilst the afternoons include workshops related to the theme of the day and opportunities for less experienced researchers to discuss current concerns. Conference We run a national conference every two years. The conference and workshop format runs over two days and focuses on contemporary issues in the area of bereavement support. Website We maintain this website to provide information resources on bereavement research and to publicize ongoing research studies.
*Membership categories*
1 Individual Membership	This category is open to individuals who are: i) engaged in the planning or implementation of research on issues around bereavement by death; or ii) users of research iii) committed to facilitating a research culture within their organisation
2 Organisational Membership	This category is open to those organisations in which three or more individuals fulfil membership criteria. Fees are set each membership year which runs from June to May. This entitles an individual member, and up to three named individuals from the organisational member, to reduced registration fees for BRF symposia and conferences. In the case of organisational members, mailings will be sent to the nominated main member only.
Non-members	Non-members, including undergraduates, are welcome to attend one symposia or conferences for the non-members fee.
Fees	- What does it Cost to Join? The individual membership fee for 2008/9 is £30 per annum. Special rates are available for students and organisations, see the Terms of Reference and Membership Categories for further details
Joining	- How Do I Apply? Please complete an appropriate Application for Membership form (Individual or Organisational) and the attached Database Information Sheet and return these together with your cheque for the appropriate fee to Sarah Wilson (BRF Administrator) 6, Copse Close, Plympton, PLYMOUTH PL7 1QD Tel: 01752 763666. email: bereavementresearchforum@googlemail.com The Steering Committee will then consider your application. If, for any reason, your application is not accepted, your cheque will be returned.