Refer / Use our services
Donate
The community-based café-style support sessions offer a welcoming and relaxed space to talk over a cuppa, or to just listen and reflect in the company of others living with grief.
Sessions are informal and facilitated by trained staff and volunteers from St Helena Hospice who offer support and guidance for adults experiencing bereavement, regardless of how, when or where the death occurred. There does not need to have been a previous connection with the Hospice.
The first café was launched in March this year at the Hospice site in Highwoods and the programme has since expanded to West Bergholt, Frinton on Sea, Elmstead Market and Walton on the Naze, with the aim to open in further communities over the coming months.
Bereavement Cafés are free to attend, thanks to funding from supporters including Esion Acoustics Limited, who has sponsored a number of sessions, as hospice care and grief are close to home for its team members in different ways. Sharon Cranfield, a Director at the noise control company based in Langham, attended a café grieving her husband Kevin, and felt she could offer something back through financial support so more people could benefit from the support. Mrs Cranfield said:
“I didn't know what to expect at all because I'm now five and a half years down the line from losing Kev, so didn’t know how this was going to go.
“It's invaluable, talking with people who are experiencing a life-changing loss; you feel less alone. The Hospice staff are knowledgeable and make a huge difference, and that’s where the Bereavement Cafés come into their own.”
Sarah Wilson, Bereavement Café Project Manager, added:
“Grief can be isolating for some and meeting others in a similar situation may help them to feel less alone. People may also experience waves of grief throughout the year as certain dates or unexpected triggers can bring out emotions, and they may find comfort by dropping into a Bereavement Café session.
“While it is not structured counselling, we have created safe spaces where people can come together to share experiences and access informal peer support following bereavement, or to simply listen and feel connected.”
No booking necessary, just turn up to a Bereavement Café.
Share Article