A HOSPICE charity is setting up a new weekly service to support Reading residents experiencing bereavement next month.
The Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice has announced plans to begin a new regular bereavement support service in Reading with Grief Kind Spaces.
They will form weekly, informal drop-in sessions where attendees can share experiences with grief run by trained volunteers, aiming to reduce loneliness and isolation.
It follows the establishment of a Grief Kind Space in Thatcham, and will be seeking more volunteers as the Reading scheme continues to develop.
Amanda Dean from Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice said: “We have seen such an incredible impact from our Grief Kind Space in Thatcham, it is amazing to be part of somewhere where we are seeing people make connections and open up about their experiences of grief.
“Quite often people feel like they are a burden speaking about their grief to friends or family, but our Grief Kind Spaces help remove that feeling, so people can talk, listen to others who might be experiencing the same as them, and gain support.
“I am delighted that we are able to offer this service to even more people as we open our Grief Kind Space in Reading, providing much needed support to anyone who is grieving.”
Ed, one of the service’s volunteers, said: “Grief Kind Spaces are a brilliant place to meet other people who are experiencing grief, and I help to facilitate that conversation so they can get as much out of it as they can.
“It’s incredible seeing the impact Grief Kind Spaces have, you can see people’s confidence grow from when they first came to where they are now. People who have never been able to talk about their feelings are able to express themselves.
“Knowing I have helped to make a difference to someone’s life is why I enjoy volunteering.”
Fellow volunteer Val said: “I can honestly say everyone who goes to the Grief Kind Space in Thatcham are now more than just attendees, they are friends– that is really something special and I know a lot of people feel less lonely because of the group.
“It is really exciting that another Grief Kind Space is opening, I think every person who has experienced grief could benefit from them.”
The Sue Ryder Grief Kind Space in Reading will take place on Wednesday, November 1, at Sheeplands Garden Centre, Hare Hatch, Reading, and again every Wednesday from 10am until noon.
No registration is required.
More details: sueryder.org/Spaces
