Help centers for grieving parents in Beijing

Beijing will set up 15 service centers this year for people who lost their only child. The centers will provide a variety of services, including psychological counseling, healthcare and emergency assistance, Beijing News reported Sunday.

The first service center opened in the Heguangli community in Fengtai district. Bereaved parents can get musical therapy and free lunch at the center. They can also talk with each other, play chess and make handicrafts there.

Establishing the service centers is a part of a national project launched by the China Women's Development Foundation and the Beijing Ruipuhua Senior Care Fund.

The program is expected to provide financial support for ailing parents who can't afford medical expenses after accidents, and to assist those who are alone and need help securing welfare services.

Bereaved parents in Beijing can call 010-65242524 for more details about the project.