Gloucester’s 2013 Citizen of the Year has spent the past 10 years helping people cope with loss and grief.

Last Saturday, after she was announced as Gloucester’s Citizen of the Year, Marie took a moment to acknowledge how proud she was of what she has achieved with the National Association for Loss and Grief (NALAG).

“Today I’m a very proud person and very proud to work for NALAG,” she said.

An emotional Mrs Bartlett paid tribute to her family and friends, many of whom had travelled to Gloucester to see her presented with the award, and also acknowledged the five other locals nominated for the honour.

“I’m too shocked to talk, I can’t stop shaking,” she said as mayor John Rosenbaum presented her with the pin acknowledging her Citizen of the Year status.

“I’m extremely proud and humbled.”

Marie was recognised as one of the State’s Hidden Treasures last year for her work with NALAG.

She joined NALAG three years after the death of her husband Theo.

“I found it difficult to trust anyone locally with my thoughts and feelings,” she said.

“And I didn’t want to load an extra burden on my kids.

“When a loved one dies there are a lot of social isolation issues you don’t envisage. Some one-on-one contact can be very beneficial.” 

Marie said just sitting with a person that has recently lost a close relative can be of enormous benefit to the grief process.

“I do a lot of listening,” she said.

“Sometimes I can sit for two hours with a person and not get a word in.

“My role is to support those struggling to cope; help them try to gain some level of acceptance and ultimately find a new sense of normal.

“Each person is different in the amount of time it comes for them to accept what has happened.

“The brain knows they’re dead, but the heart takes longer to accept it.”

Marie is now the regional coordinator for NALAG, meaning she works with clients to set them up with support workers in the local area.

The NALAG process is totally confidential and non-judgemental and volunteers meet where they and the client feel most comfortable.

She said the training NALAG support workers received was of the highest standard.

“We’re taught about what to say and what not to say,” Marie said.

“Volunteers also have access to a mental health supervisor.”

Marie’s work for the Stratford community was also acknowledged by the Australia Day Committee.

She is the secretary-treasurer of the Stratford Hall Committee and has been a member of the organisation for 30 years.

If you are recently bereaved and need someone to talk to contact the NALAG helpline on 6551 2554.