I was feeling fragile and apprehensive about my first Bereavement Café, but you made me feel so welcome. I realised that I am not alone. You understand. And you listen!
The St Gemma’s Bereavement Café is a social group for people who have experienced a bereavement, in the last two years and over 8 weeks ago. People who have had similar experiences can meet and find mutual support in a safe, relaxed atmosphere.
The café is run by our Bereavement Counsellors, supported by a team of bereavement volunteers. Our fantastic volunteers are an integral part of the café and are skilled at providing support and comfort to individuals struggling with the grief of a loved one’s death, making a truly meaningful impact.
One of bereavement café attendees, at her final session in October, shared her thoughts on attending the café and the support she received from St Gemma’s:
“To the staff and volunteers – the stars that are St Gemma’s, words cannot convey how grateful I am for the love, kindness and support you have shown me. My husband was a patient here for less than 24 hours. He was treated with care, dignity and respect, as were we.
“Like many here, I was feeling fragile and apprehensive about my first Bereavement Café, but you made me feel so welcome. I realised that I am not alone. You understand. And you listen!
“Our circumstance may all be different but our journeys are much the same. The Café has done so much to ease mine. I’ve met some lovely people and made some special friends. I’ve always supported St Gemma’s, and will continue to do so. Thanks so much for being there for me. The work you do here is invaluable. Long may it continue.”
If you think you’d benefit from chatting with others experiencing grief in a relaxed and welcoming environment, contact the St Gemma’s Hospice Bereavement Team on 0113 306 9167.
Our Bereavement Café meets on the first and third Friday of the month. We welcome anyone with a connection to St Gemma’s.
To find out more about the full range of bereavement support we offer, please visit www.st-gemma.co.uk/our-care/how-we-can-help/for-families-carers/bereavement-support