A highly successful support group for those who have been bereaved in the Eden valley has been given a further year’s funding thanks to Cumbria Community Foundation & The C&W Herald Fund.
Up to 140 people (including family members) benefited from the support (4 volunteers involved) and attendance exceeded expectations over 12 months.
Oaklea Trust/Right2Work helped support the establishment of this bereavement support group for people in Appleby and surrounding villages (it has been identified as a real need especially for widowed spouses) and has been praised by Health bosses.
The group takes the format of an ‘open house’ and meets monthly at the R2W Appleby Hub.
Joyce Keetley from the Carlisle Diocese assists the group:
‘We are a friendly group and everyone appreciates the homemade cake! There is no charge and people can drop in for however long they want and talk about whatever they wish’ one of the volunteers commented. We will not be following a programme and will not offer counselling –simply the opportunity to talk about what is on your mind and share your feelings with others who may have felt the same.”
The inspiration for the group came from Rev Sandra Pearl – it was her idea following a discussion with a local funeral director.
Lets leave you with a lovely comment from someone who joined: “It’s been really helpful to speak to people in the same position as myself without worrying what I say.”
For info E: [email protected]