Tag: Isle of Wight

Ryde funeralcare offers residents free bereavement support

Posted on by ashleymarsh

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/.

Young people get a step up on the co-operative career ladder

Posted on by ashleymarsh

As the number of young people in employment remains below pre-pandemic levels*, a regional co-operative is working to kickstart youth employment in its stores, head office and funeral branches.

Southern Co-op is preparing to welcome its third cohort of Kickstarters at the beginning of September – a Government scheme for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment.

The latest joiners will take the number of people on Kickstart placements to nearly 40.

The placements are spread across Southern Co-op’s head office in Portsmouth and The Co-operative Food and Funeralcare locations in Addlestone, Banstead, Bristol, Camberley, Havant, Lake on the Isle of Wight, Newbury, Overton, Portsmouth, Romsey, Basingstoke, Southampton, Staines, Tadley and Wimbledon.

Sarah Kavanagh, Business Transformation & HR Director at Southern Co-op, said: “Unemployment has been higher in younger age groups for some time and unfortunately this has been exacerbated by the pandemic. It is clear to us that they need additional help now to get back into work or to take the first step toward full time employment.

“The Kickstart Scheme means we look for people aged 16 to 24, with the right attitude, and give them the opportunity to learn new skills whilst being paid.

“We expected it to take a bit of time for some to find their feet and get into the routine of work but, after about three weeks, we have been getting some great feedback. One manager described their new starter as ‘100% amazing’, ‘flexible, keen and willing to try anything’.”

The Kickstart Scheme placements are funded by the Government for 25 hours per week for six months and referrals are made on to the scheme via local Jobcentres.

The job placements provide opportunities to young people who may have been overlooked before due to lack of experience.

In order to help them gain as many skills as possible, Southern Co-op’s programme is also giving young adults a chance to gain a Level One Certificate in Employability Skills which is being run by Havant & South Downs College.

People interested in a Kickstart placement should speak to their local Jobcentre. For other vacancies at Southern Co-op, visit https://www.southernco-opjobs.co.uk/jobs/.

*Youth Unemployment Statistics, 15 July 2021: https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN05871/SN05871.pdf

Winter coats needed for Island’s homeless

Posted on by ashleymarsh

A local funeral co-ordinator is hoping to rally the community spirit to help families in need of support this winter.

After a difficult year, Petra Wickens and Tilly Holmberg, Funeral Co-ordinators in East Cowes, are asking Isle of Wight residents to support the work of the local Salvation Army helping those in need.

Petra and her colleagues at the six Isle of Wight branches of The Co-operative Funeralcare have set up collection points for people to drop off donations of sleeping bags, coats, jumpers, gloves/scarves/hats, as well as dry and tinned food and toiletries/hygiene products.

The branches, which are all part of Southern Co-op, will be accepting donations for the Salvation Army throughout the winter, up until the end of January 2021.

Petra said: “This year has been so very difficult for so many, and I am sure there are many individuals and families who have found themselves in a situation that they had not expected. We are hoping to at least offer a little support to all of those in need.

“The Salvation Army does such a wonderful job of ensuring that the homeless are safe and warm over the cold winter months, as well as people who have just fallen on hard times and just need a little help.

“All the goods people donate, will be taken to the Salvation Army outreach centre, where they can be distributed to those in need.”

Southern Co-op, which is the independent, regional co-operative, has six branches on the Isle of Wight branches at 8-10 Ferry Road in East Cowes, The Avenue in Freshwater, The Fairway in Lake, 61 Upper St James Street in Newport, 45 St John’s Road in Ryde, and 76 Regent Street in Shanklin.

The Salvation Army, which has a local branch on the Isle of Wight, offers help to a range of people including the elderly, the young, offenders, drug addicts, blind and disabled people. It also provides food and shelter for the homeless and operates food distribution centres across the country.

To find out more about the Salvation Army, visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk.

South coast bereavement centre supports thousands of people in 20 years

Posted on by ashleymarsh

A free bereavement care service is celebrating its 20th anniversary after touching the lives of more than 59,200 people.

The Bereavement Centre, part of the regional co-operative Southern Co-op, was the brainchild of one of its colleagues who worked in its Co-operative Funeralcare services.

After 24 years at Southern Co-op and The Co-operative Funeralcare, Ingrid McAllister-Derry knew there was a need to offer an aftercare service and emotional support for colleagues.

Her boss Steve Pearce, now the Chief Operating Officer for End of Life Services at Southern Co-op, agreed and The Bereavement Centre was launched on May 15 2000.

Ingrid, who is now The Bereavement Manager Care Liaison Officer, said: “It was quite pioneering. I had to learn things as we went along and became a professionally-qualified counsellor.

Ingrid McAllister-Derry in 1994

“We grew the service over the years to offer one-to-one bereavement support for anyone in the community – not just for people who had used our funeral services at The Co-operative Funeralcare. After 11 years, we recruited a bereavement co-ordinator and now have a team of five.”

The Bereavement Centre now provides free support for people suffering with grief and loss face-to-face or via online services such as Skype across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Sussex and select areas of Berkshire, Dorset, Surrey and Wiltshire.

This has also helped to take some pressure off other local mental health services that have long waiting times.

Ingrid McAllister-Derry and Ang Higgins

The team also works with key workers including carers, doctors, nurses and teachers through training sessions to coach them on the practicalities of dealing with a death and loss of any kind. This includes helping medical professionals understand how to help grieving families and give the best bedside manner and support to those suffering.

Steve Pearce said: “Over the past 20 years, Ingrid and her team have supported 24,960 people at their educational sessions and have given wellbeing support to 26,859 people. The help they have provided for people has been invaluable.

“During the current pandemic, the help they have given families and to colleagues has been second-to-none. What was once just an idea, has grown into something that hundreds of people rely on. Thank you Ingrid for everything you and your team have achieved.”

In 2004, Ingrid started a friendship group in Portsmouth, which is still running now with around 35 members.

The team now runs nine Wellbeing support groups in Andover, Bognor Regis, Clayton (near Hassocks), Fareham, Farnborough, Frome, Peacehaven, Portsmouth and Sandown.

It also holds additional workshops covering subjects such as anxiety and loss, resilience, multicultural, mental health and mindfulness. For businesses that need something more bespoke, they can create a workshop to suit these needs as well.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the team has been supporting nursing homes and care in the community as well as giving people virtual help during lockdown with telephone support to the bereaved and care professionals.

Ingrid said: “Part of Southern Co-op’s values is about giving back to the communities in which we serve. How better can this be demonstrated than by providing a free bereavement service for 20 years?

“We believe passionately about giving something back and have quietly done this for all these years. It’s been a real privilege.”

To find out more or to get support, call 08081691922, email info@thebereavementcentre.co.uk or visit www.bereavementcentre.co.uk/.

Winter coats needed for Ryde’s homeless

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Residents are being asked to dig deep into the backs of their wardrobes and donate any unwanted winter coats, gloves, hats and scarves.

For the last few years, a community hub in Ryde which provides a range of services in a redundant church has devoted an outside area to items of clothing for the homeless to pick up when needed.

This year, donations can also be made to The Co-operative Funeralcare in Ryde which is just off the High Street in St John’s Road.

Sam Walker, Funeral Co-ordinator at the branch which is part of Southern Co-op, said: “We’d heard about the space at the collections being made by Aspire Ryde for outdoor clothing and wanted to help.

“It could literally be a lifeline for people who don’t have anywhere else to go during the winter.”

The charity is asking for donations of outdoor and waterproof coats, long scarves, adult hats and gloves.

Julie Croydon, Project Support at Aspire Ryde, said: “By putting a selection of items in our porch, it means they are available 24/7. If someone is really cold then it is there when they need it and we replace the goods straightaway.

“We also have free food in the same area which includes stock that has been donated by local stores after its best before date.

“We don’t require any ID or vouchers and people don’t have to be homeless to use it. We just ask them to be honest and only take what they really need.”

Aspire Ryde works with lots of partner organisations to bring people and services together to be able to transform lives and give people the best chance in life.

They transformed the old church in Dover Street into a unique space and a community hub to ensure that there was something for everyone on site.

Aspire is hoping to redevelop the space further in the next few years to enable a safe space for people to go during the day.

To find out more visit https://aspireryde.org.uk/.

Fundraising quiz in Arreton

Posted on by ashleymarsh

A fundraising quiz is fast becoming a regular date on the calendar as organisers raise money for local families.

Quizzers on the Isle of Wight are being invited to the latest quiz on Monday 4 November at The Dairyman’s Daughter, in Arreton.

The charity pub quiz is in aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch and is being held by The Co-operative Funeralcare in Ryde which is part of Southern Co-op – the independent, regional co-operative.

The Wight Brainy Bunch is a local brain tumour charity which runs a monthly support group, provides financial assistance to families struggling with added expenses, and supports much needed research via The Brain Tumour Charity.

Sam Walker, Funeral Co-ordinator at the branch, said: “Our quizzes are more than just a fundraiser. They are social events and a good excuse to get together with friends for an evening.”

The quiz starts at 7:30pm and costs £2 per person with up to six people per team.

To find out more or book your place, contact The Co-operative Funeralcare in Ryde via 01983 615746 or by emailing rydefuneral@southerncoops.co.uk.

The Wight Brainy Bunch is being supported as part of Southern Co-op’s community engagement programme ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’. This initiative tackles four key social themes – promoting greener, healthier, safer, and more inclusive neighbourhoods.

Click here find out more about Southern Co-op’s commitment to making a difference.

All Wight on the night in Ryde

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Glamourous ball goers flocked to Wootton Bridge last weekend [7 September] to the second annual charity ball organised by co-operative colleagues in Ryde.

The black tie event raised £500 for The Wight Brainy Bunch and was organised by The Co-operative Funeralcare in St John’s Road.

Located in a designated Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, guests were treated to an indulgent three-course meal featuring some of the very best of Island produce.

Guests also got bidding on a selection of special items including an afternoon tea at Yelfs Hotel, some specialised Isle of Wight glass Christmas bubbles and a night in a beautiful cabin in Newchurch.

Lesley Borton, Funeral Co-ordinator at the branch which is part of Southern Co-op – the independent, regional co-operative, said: “There was a lot of good natured bidding. The raffle went well and included a very large basket hamper.

“This was our second year of holding the event but there was still just as much work that went into organising it so we are really glad it was another success.

“The food was delicious. In fact, we have already booked in a date for our third event at the Lakeside Hotel on 27 June. This time it will be slightly less formal but just as much fun!”

Just under 40 people attended the event in Wootton Bridge at the four star hotel including representatives from the charity – The Wight Brainy Bunch.

Kathryn Grimes founded the charity with her husband who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2015.

Kathryn said: “We are still a relatively new and small charity and usually rely on arranging our own events to raise funds, so to have such wonderful support from Ryde Co-op Funeralcare this year is incredible.”

According to the charity, there are over 102,000 people living with a brain tumour in the UK, with more children and adults under the age of 40 dying of brain tumours than from any other form of cancer.

Being part of Southern Co-op, The Co-operative Funeralcare in Ryde supports charities like The Wight Brainy Bunch through its community engagement programme ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’.

This initiative addresses four key social themes – promoting greener, healthier, safer and more inclusive neighbourhoods.

To reserve your place for next year’s event, contact the funeral home on 01983 615746 or via email at rydefuneral@southerncoops.co.uk.

Put your best pet forward in Ryde

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Pets of all shapes and sizes are being invited to be on their best behaviour and show off their shiny coats for a charity pet show in Ryde.

Colleagues at The Co-operative Funeralcare in Ryde are brushing up on their pet skills for their first ever pet show on Sunday 14 July.

The show will be held at Ryde Scouts Hall, in St John’s Road, from 2pm to 4pm.

Rosette prizes are up for grabs in all five categories:
• Best turned out dog
• Prettiest cat
• Cutest rabbit or small animal
• Most unusual pet
• Best behaved pet

The event will be in aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch – a local brain tumour charity which runs a monthly support group, provides financial assistance to families struggling with added expenses, and supports much needed research via The Brain Tumour Charity.

Sam Walker, Funeral Co-ordinator at The Co-operative Funeralcare in Ryde, said: “I’ve nervously agreed that all pets are allowed as long as they are not out on the loose. I might regret that but hopefully it will be a laugh!

“Our Operations Manager Elaine is going to be the judge so she is the lucky one who will get up close and personal with the Island’s pets. It is all for a good cause too.

“The Wight Brainy Bunch charity is incredibly special as it was set up by a local couple, Mark and Kathryn Grimes, after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2015.”

The Wight Brainy Bunch is being supported as part of Southern Co-op’s community engagement programme ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’. This initiative addresses four key social themes – promoting greener, healthier, safer, and more inclusive neighbourhoods.

The cost to enter is £3 per pet per category.

There will also be a raffle, a barbecue and refreshments available.

To find out more or to register in advance, contact The Co-operative Funeralcare in Ryde via 01983 615746 or by emailing rydefuneral@southerncoops.co.uk.

To find out more about Southern Co-op’s commitment to making a difference, click here.

Glitz and glamour returns to Ryde

Posted on by ashleymarsh

With a special opportunity to dine at a four star hotel whilst overlooking a picturesque lake, islanders are being invited to an exclusive charity ball in Ryde.

Located in a designated Isle of Wight Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, guests will get to indulge in a three-course meal featuring some of the very best of Island produce.

Now in its second year, the 2018 charity ball raised just under £1,300 and hosted a array of glamourous guests in ball gowns and black tie.

Tickets have just been released on sale for £38pp for the top-class event being held at The Lakeside Hotel, in Wootton Bridge, on Saturday 7 September 2019 at 6.30pm.

Being organised and sponsored by The Co-operative Funeralcare in Ryde, the event is in aid of The Wight Brainy Bunch.

Kathryn Grimes founded the charity with her husband who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2015.

Kathryn said: “There was no support on the Island following his surgery and we found the whole experience very lonely and difficult and wanted to do something to change this for other Island families.

“We now support dozens of families on the Isle of Wight by providing emotional support and financial assistance as they face this awful diagnosis, in the hope that their journey is a little easier.

“We are still a relatively new and small charity and usually rely on arranging our own events to raise funds, so to have such wonderful support from Ryde Co-op Funeralcare this year is incredible.”

According to the charity, there are over 102,000 people living with a brain tumour in the UK, with more children and adults under the age of 40 dying of brain tumours than from any other form of cancer.

Sam Walker, Funeral Co-ordinator at the Ryde funeral home, said: “When we first decided to hold a charity ball, we poured our hearts and souls into making it a success. But we could only dream that it would so successful that we would hold it for a second time.

“We had such amazing feedback from last year’s event. Guests loved the food, the venue and the opportunity to get glammed up at a really charming location.

“This year there are even more tickets available but they are still limited in order to give the event a more exclusive feel.”

The venue is one mile from the nearest ferry with ample free on site parking.

Guests will also be able to take part an auction and a raffle.

The Co-operative Funeralcare, in Ryde, is part of the regional, independent co-operative, Southern Co-op, which supports charities like The Wight Brainy Bunch through its community engagement programme ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’.

This initiative addresses four key social themes – promoting ‘Greener’, ‘Healthier’, ‘Safer’, and ‘More Inclusive’ neighbourhoods.

Tickets to the charity ball are available at the funeral home in St John’s Road, by emailing rydefuneral@southerncoops.co.uk or by calling 01983 615746.

Invitation to afternoon tea in Godshill

Posted on by ashleymarsh

Hollywood glamour is coming to the Isle of Wight with a charity afternoon tea.

Experience the glitz and appeal of the red carpet all in the name of a good cause – The Wight Brainy Bunch.

The event on Saturday 18 May is being held by The Co-operative Funeralcare in Ryde and follows a similar successful themed afternoon tea in January.

For just £14.95 per person, guests will be treated to a full stand of cakes, sandwiches and scones plus extra treats on the top layer with unlimited tea or coffee.

Sam Walker, Funeral Co-ordinator, said: “Think Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Ginger Rogers. We love an opportunity to feel spoilt and this afternoon tea will do just that.

“Guests will hopefully feel extra special whilst supporting the local brain tumour charity which runs a monthly support group, provides financial assistance to families struggling with added expenses, and supports much needed research via The Brain Tumour Charity.”

The Wight Brainy Bunch is supported by the funeral home as part of Southern Co-op’s community engagement programme ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’. This initiative addresses four key social themes for promoting: ‘Greener’, ‘Healthier’, ‘Safer’, and ‘More Inclusive’ neighbourhoods.

The themed afternoon tea is being held from 2pm to 4pm at the Woods Kitchen, in Godshill. Dressing up is optional.

To find out more or book your place, contact Southern Co-op’s Ryde Funeralcare via 01983 615746 or rydefuneral@southerncoops.co.uk.

To find out more about Southern Co-op’s commitment to making a difference, click here.