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The new evening session will mean more city residents will be able to access free, informal peer-to-peer bereavement support from November.
While this is the second Gloucester-based Sue Ryder Grief Kind Space, it will be a third that the healthcare and bereavement charity has launched in the county with sessions already established at Roots Coffee and Community Café in Gloucester and John Lewis in Cheltenham.
The new Grief Kind Space opens on Wednesday 1 November at Tank, Llanthony Road, Gloucester and it is hoped that the later opening time of 5-7pm will make it easier for people to join if they have commitments during the day.
Lizzie Smith, who is the coordinator for the Grief Kind Spaces in Gloucestershire said: “We’ve received some incredible feedback from those attending our two existing Gloucestershire Sue Ryder Grief Kind Spaces, but we know there are people out there who would really benefit from being able to connect with others and talk about their grief, but who can’t attend a daytime session.
“We hope with our new evening Grief Kind Space opening in the informal setting that Tank offers, will mean we can be there when it matters for more people who need bereavement support.
“We couldn’t do it though without the amazing support of our volunteers, as well as organisations like Tank, who host the spaces free of charge for us – providing a welcoming and safe space for people to come together and connect.”
And as the Grief Kind Spaces grow, the charity is on the look-out for more local volunteers to join them and help make a difference like volunteer Rob Griffin.
Rob decided to become a Grief Kind volunteer following the death of his partner last year.
Rob shared, “Sometimes it can be difficult to talk to friends and family about your grief and there might be a limit to how long you feel can continue to share with them. For people attending our Grief Kind Spaces, it doesn’t matter who you have lost; a parent, wife, or husband; friend or pet – or how long ago – there is always someone there to listen and without judgement.
“I find that I help people, but they also help me. Sometimes we talk about the loved ones we have lost and sometimes we just talk about general things, and while it can be sad speaking about grief it’s a very social and friendly atmosphere. It’s like being with a group of friends. People are genuinely interested in what you have to say. It’s great to be part of that.”
Geoff Smith, Group Managing Director at Gloucester Brewery Group, said: “We are thrilled that we can help Sue Ryder facilitate their first early evening Gloucester Grief Kind Space. We hope that the relaxed setting we can offer will mean more people who are grieving will feel comfortable seeking the support they need. We look forward to welcoming the Sue Ryder team and our community to Tank from next month.”
The new evening Sue Ryder Grief Kind Space will take place every Wednesday at 5-7pm at Tank 12 – 14 Llanthony Road, Gloucester GL1 2EH.
Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk
emily