Two Chard-based social enterprises, Chard WATCH CIC and www.griefspecialists.org are hosting a ‘Life After Loss’ cafe during National Grief Awareness Week. Anyone struggling with loss, whether recent or a long time ago, is invited to pop into the Boden Centre on Boden Street, Chard between 1 to 2.30 pm on Wednesday, 6th December for tea, coffee, cake, and conversation.
This year’s National Grief Awareness Week campaign theme, ‘Better Together,’ is about bringing together communities to raise awareness of the support available for the bereaved.
Julie Matthews, CEO of Chard WATCH said: “It’s been a particularly difficult few years for many, especially for those who were unable to say goodbye to family and friends during the pandemic. We invite you to join us for a cuppa and cake, where you will be welcomed, and most importantly, heard.”
Maria Bailey, founder of www.griefspecialists.org said: “National Grief Awareness Week is a time to acknowledge people who are grieving. Loss is not spoken about enough, making grief very isolating for people. The ‘Life After Loss’ Cafe is about connecting those who are navigating similar journeys and creating a sense of hope. It’s an opportunity to share stories and find comfort in shared experiences.”
In addition, Chard Guildhall will be lit up in orange as part of National Grief Awareness Week 2023. The building joins landmarks across the UK in being lit up from 6 pm on Friday, 8th December.
The week, which runs from 2nd to 8th December, is run by the Good Grief Trust annually.
For further information, please contact Maria Bailey on 07932 644771 or maria@griefspecialists.org
About Chard WATCH Project:
Chard Watch is a community interest company (CIC) with big ambitions to end isolation for people experiencing mental health difficulties. We know how connecting people with shared experiences of mental health challenges can empower each of us, which is why peer support is at the heart of everything we do. People thrive when they can maintain their own wellbeing, build self-resilience and develop skills. Supporting that journey is what Chard Watch is all about.
We have our Wednesday (for new members) and Thursday projects which take place each week in Chard. This provides a space to form new peer friendships and a social connection, so individuals build friendships which continue throughout the week and not just whilst they are at the Project. We have a weekly online forum for those who can’t get into the Project, so they can still benefit from meeting with their peers. We also run courses across Somerset on self-management, peer support and wellbeing.
Watch is a proud member of Open Mental Health – working in partnership to ensure adults in Somerset get the mental health support they need, when it’s needed. There is “no wrong door” for anyone who needs help.
About Grief Specialists CIC:
We provide immediate, professional grief support to anyone dealing with loss through resources on our website, via social media, and through our national network of qualified, insured grief professionals. Where necessary, we provide funding to access that support.
