Springs Church, Caistor, Lincolnshire

Springs Church

Springs Church embarked upon the training and preparation for The Bereavement Journey® a year after many associated with us had experienced grief from the loss of a loved one.  

We wanted to do something meaningful to bring encouragement to us all at that time. We also hoped that, after our training, we could offer similar support to others in our community around Caistor, Lincolnshire.  

As a Church worshipping the ‘Father of compassion and the God of all comfort’ we desired to be a place where those experiencing bereavement can have a safe space to simply ‘be’ as well as receive help.  

A small group trained to run the programme. Having gained accreditation, and some financial support from our network, we launched our first The Bereavement Journey® course in July 2025. 

All our participants found it a great help. Everyone attended to the end, including the optional faith session. One lady commented that she felt safe in the surroundings, and everyone was able to articulate their feelings during the discussion times, knowing that those in the room understood.  Another participant told us she was “relieved that the course was delivered locally with empathy and understanding”. Three of those who attended continue to connect with the Church at both Sunday and weekday events. They have formed new friendships with the team, and one another. 

By week three of the course, others in Caistor were expressing interest, so we developed a waiting list. We have since launched The Bereavement Journey® for a second time and now have six participants from our locality. This will conclude in time for our annual Service of Personal Remembrance, where we will extend an invitation to all participants to join us, and meet one another as well as other Church members. 

As we move into our first full year in 2026, we hope to become a more ‘Bereavement Friendly’ Church and may explore this formally in time. In addition, we are open to forming a group where those that have been bereaved can continue to meet, share together and make new friends, perhaps even supporting those who are newly-grieving in due course. 

Thank you, Ata Loss for this most valuable and welcome programme: for the hope it brings to so many, and the confidence that it gives us as a Church to walk with those who need special compassion and care through their bereavements.   

Kate Hills, Springs Church, Caistor, Lincolnshire.