5 July 2023

New free wellbeing groups offered in Andover and Chichester

Two new local monthly bereavement support wellbeing groups have opened up in Andover and Chichester to help residents who have experienced grief.

The free groups are led by experienced bereavement co-ordinators from Bereavement Care - a support service offered by the regional, independent co-operative, Southern Co-op.

Anyone who has experienced loss is invited to join the groups, regardless of whether they have used services offered by Southern Co-op which includes the two Co-operative Funeralcare branches in Chichester and Andover.

Bereavement Co-ordinator Ali Davison said: "We already hold wellbeing groups in other locations and we find that they give people a chance to meet people who are going through similar experiences and emotions.

"We welcome people regardless of when they experienced their bereavement or perhaps they just want some company. The group is there for them when they need it. If you have experienced a loss, we are here to help."

The wellbeing groups is just one form of bereavement support offered by Southern Co-op after it was first introduced more than 20 years ago.

The Bereavement Care team also offer one-to-one counselling, support for colleagues, and training for other organisations who work closely with the bereaved.

In Chichester, the wellbeing group will be held on the third Tuesday of every month from 12.15pm to 1.45pm at New Park Community Centre, New Park Road, Chichester, PO19 7XY.

In Andover, the wellbeing group will be held on the third Monday of every month from 10am to 12pm at King Arthurs Way Hall, King Arthurs Way, Andover, SP10 4BS.

Serena Sheppard, Bereavement Coordinator at Bereavement Care, said: "These groups offer people a relaxed and non-judgmental environment where participants can openly express their feelings, share their stories, and find comfort through mutual support.

"Building a sense of community and support is incredibly important and we look forward to meeting lots of new people in the coming months."

To find out more or to explore other bereavement support available, call 08081 691922, emailinfo@bereavementcare.ukor visithttps://bereavementcare.uk/.