Glenys accompanied ten members of our Bereavement Support Group on a trip to Sheffield Park on Wednesday 29 May. The waterlilies were looking stunning - there’s a Waterlily Festival at the gardens from 8 June to 14 July – and everyone enjoyed a lovely day, particularly the gorgeous goslings.
We feel strongly that our service at Tester & Jones does not end with the funeral itself. With this in mind, we set up our Bereavement Support Group, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Providing support and friendship to family members who have been bereaved, it meets every month at Barnsgate Manor. Between them, members enjoy a number of activities and some have even enjoyed a short break together.
When somebody you love dies - particularly a partner that might have been by your side for many years - it can be a very lonely experience. Sometimes you don't want to burden your immediate family, particularly if they are feeling sad too. Talking to somebody else in the same situation can really help and can lead to you finding new friends and enjoying new activities.
New members can expect a warm and friendly welcome - after all, they know what you're going through.
Says one member: “The Tester & Jones Bereavement Support Group is exactly what it says, a support group of people who have lost someone very dear. We are all grieving but trying to overcome our loss and our sorrow. It's hard, but we also try to help one another and enjoy ourselves too."