Bereavement Support Team

Who we are

We are a group of parishioners who volunteer our time to offer support to those who have been bereaved.

What we do

By listening non-judgementally, we offer support, help, comfort and a loving presence to those going through the grieving process. This may include telephone calls and/or visits to provide emotional support and a time for the bereaved person to talk about their loved one. When the time is right, we may offer to accompany people to Church for the first time or assist them to link with the outside world perhaps by accompanying them on a first visit to the shops.

If appropriate we will provide details of professional support which may be available through Primary Healthcare Teams, Social Workers, Health Visitors, the National Bereavement Council, and other professional bodies.

We are DBS certified, carry identification and have a ‘buddy system’ within the team to ensure someone else knows of our involvement and visits.

Time and place

Our visits and their frequency are based on individual circumstances or as advised by our vicar. Contact or visits will generally take place about two to three weeks after the funeral, and we aim to ensure that any ongoing contact is provided by the same member of the team.

All those who have been bereaved are invited to attend the annual All Souls Service and we endeavour to provide coffee and comfort gatherings at other times during the year.