Bereavement Friendly Church  

At St Matthew's we have a team to offer support to those who are recently bereaved and those who have been bereaved some time ago.   We are aware from our own experiences that in the same way that we are all unique, we each experience the death of a loved one in different ways.    There is no one way to grieve.  However there are patterns and similarities which mean that we can reach out to help and to offer support and especially a listening ear. We are committed to being a Bereavement Friendly Church as part of the Loss and HOPE initiative.  We are working to achieve these 12 marks.

 

How might we help?

We have three sources of support if you are bereaved. Of course, our pastoral team is happy to be contacted at any point to journey with you or answer any questions.
 

A Bereavement Support Group

We hold a Bereavement Support Group on the fourth Wednesday of each month 10 for 10.30am -

more details from  Susan Kang on 07745 795395 or laypastoral@stmatthewskt6.org. No charge.
PLEASE NOTE: The next meeting will be Wed 3rd Sept and NOT 27th as previously planned. 
 

A Bereavement Walking Group

We  also have a Beareavement Walking Group on the second Wednesday of each month starting at 10am. 
For more details on the walking group please call Sue O'Hagan on 07907 184018. No charge.
 

The Bereavement Journey 

The next "The Bereavement Journey" at St Matthew's Church on 7th October for 7 Tuesday afternoons 2-4.30pm.   The invitation to take part is extended to the wider community.  The course benefits anyone bereaved in any way and at any time. There is no faith content in sessions 1-6  so it is suitable for all faiths or no faith.   The optional Session 7 addresses  Faith Questions related to bereavement.   

This course usually suits folk who are at least 6 - 12 months post bereavement but everyone is different. Please ask if you are unsure. This course is open to anyone no matter which faith, if any. There is no pressure to become a Christian or adopt Christian beliefs. The seventh session is about faith questions but is optional.

Loss needs to be processed for our physical and mental health and wellbeing. Unresolved grief can also affect our attitudes, relationships and attainment. The Bereavement Journey® is a place to talk - 7 Sessions of films and discussion for anyone, whether grieving a death now, or wanting to explore a previous bereavement that may be unresolved.  This course is for bereaved adults to do their own grief work.  It is supported by a Participant Manual and facilitated by volunteers.
 
Topics include:
 
• Attachment, separation and loss
• The pain and responses of grief
• Anger and guilt
• Coping with others’ reactions
• Delayed and suppressed grief
• Adjusting to change
• Moving forward healthily
 

The Bereavement Journey is being offered by churches and Christian organisations across the UK and the world. Ideally participants attend a course in their local area. 
For other bereavement support services and information visit ataloss.org

For more details or to sign up  speak to Susan Kang or call 07745 795395 or email laypastoral@stmatthewskt6.org

Course Dates: 7th October for 7 Tuesday afternoons 2-4.30pm