Residents in Ryde, who have experienced grief, are being encouraged to drop in to a local monthly bereavement support wellbeing group.
The free group is led by an experienced bereavement co-ordinator from Bereavement Care – a support service offered by the Island’s The Co-operative Funeralcare branches, including Ryde.
Anyone who has experienced loss is invited to join, regardless of whether they have used services offered by the branches which are part of the regional independent co-operative, Southern Co-op.
Alex Morley, who looks after the Isle of Wight branches of The Co-operative Funeralcare, said: “Loss and grief affects us all at one time or another. We know how important support is to help us through this – whether that is soon after a loved one passes or years down the line.
“It was more than 20 years ago the Southern Co-op first introduced free bereavement support so it is really special that we can still offer it to people today.”
The next free bereavement wellbeing support group in Ryde takes place on Friday 13 October at Elim Church, 48 Albert Street, Ryde, PO33 2SB, from 10am to 12pm. They usually take place on the 2nd Friday of every month.
Lesley Hadley, Bereavement Coordinator at Bereavement Care, said: “The drop-in well-being support group offers a relaxed and non-judgmental environment where participants can openly express their feelings, share their stories, and find comfort through mutual support.
“It is a place where individuals can meet others who truly understand what they are going through, fostering a sense of community during a difficult time.”
To find out more or to explore other bereavement support available, visit https://bereavementcare.uk/.
A free bereavement care service is now available in High Wycombe after one of the town’s funeral branches became part of an independent, regional co-operative.
Funeral Co-ordinator Joanne, who lives locally in a small village just outside High Wycombe, said: “Having previously worked at the Beaconsfield branch before moving to High Wycombe in 2020, I recognise how important it is ensure someone’s final journey is personal and one to remember. It is all about the families we serve.