Bereavement Friendly Church 
At St Matthew's we have a team to offer support to those who are recently bereaved and those who have been bereaved some time ago. We are aware from our own experiences that in the same way that we are all unique, we each experience the death of a loved one in different ways. There is no one way to grieve. However there are patterns and similarities which mean that we can reach out to help and to offer support and especially a listening ear. We are committed to being a Bereavement Friendly Church as part of the Loss and HOPE initiative. We are working to achieve
these 12 marks.
How might we help?
We hold a Bereavement Support Group on the fourth Wednesday of each month 10 for 10.30am - more details from Susan Kang on 07745 795395 or susan.kang10@gmail.com
We also have a Bereavement Walking Group on the second Wednesday of each month starting at 10am.
For more details on the walking group please call Sue O'Hagan on 07907 184018.
All these events are free of charge.
If you are bereaved and would like support then please call Susan on the number above.
Loss needs to be processed for our physical and mental health and wellbeing. Unresolved grief can also affect our attitudes, relationships and attainment. The Bereavement Journey® is a place to talk - 7 Sessions of films and discussion for anyone, whether grieving a death now, or wanting to explore a previous bereavement that may be unresolved. This course is for bereaved adults to do their own grief work. It is supported by a Guest Manual and facilitated by volunteers.
Topics include:
• Attachment, separation and loss
• The pain and responses of grief
• Anger and guilt
• Coping with others’ reactions
• Delayed and suppressed grief
• Adjusting to change
• Moving forward healthily
The Bereavement Journey is being offered by churches and Christian organisations across the UK and the world. Ideally Guests attend a course in their local area.
For other bereavement support services and information visit ataloss.org
Course Dates: TBC