Alongside the nation, and our colleagues within the voluntary and community sector, we mourn the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

We offer our sympathy, thoughts and best wishes to members of the Royal Family at this difficult time.

Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), of which we are a member, have issued the following statement and there is some useful information on the NCVO website for charities and volunteer organisations as the country enters a period of official mourning. Her Majesty the Queen was a strong supporter of charities, community groups and volunteering, as a patron, advocate, and champion.

You may wish to see the Government’s announcement regarding the national Bank Holiday on Monday 19 September for the State Funeral and to mark the last day of the period of national mourning which gives people an opportunity pay their respects.

Periods of change are always difficult to navigate and we, like many of our sector and partners, are encouraging everyone to take time to pause and reflect, and most importantly take care of ourselves as we manage our changing emotions and feelings.

If you feel affected by the loss of Her Majesty, you are not alone and may find the following provides some useful guidance: Grief for Her Majesty The Queen – Cruse Bereavement Support