St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Redditch

St Andrew’s Methodist Church

St Andrew’s Methodist Church in Redditch has been awarded the Bereavement Friendly Church accreditation by AtaLoss. 
 
We run The Bereavement Journey® programme three times per year. It is a small group of no more than 8 participants, which enables everybody to have the space to speak in what can be an emotionally charged environment. Each week has a theme to look at, and comprises two short videos, with as much discussion time as needed. Bereavement and any significant loss that has impacted on your life is sensitively explored with peer support and compassion. The seventh session is optional, as it addresses ‘Where was God in this?’, and it is the only session that talks about religion/faith. Refreshments are available, and we have made our courses free to attend. 
 
We also run a Bereavement Café which is held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, 12-2pm. Everybody is welcome to attend that needs support/friendship after their bereavement (there is no time limit regarding when the loss occurred). Everyone sits around the table and shares a meal together; there is lots of peer support and signposting is available if needed. The conversation is free flowing with no criteria. New friendships are being forged and nurtured, and the depth of fellowship is growing enormously. The Bereavement Café helps to break down barriers, such as isolation, that people may be experiencing because of their loss. It also helps with their mental health and wellbeing to be in an environment which prioritises warmth, mutual respect, acceptance, and understanding. We did not want financial barriers to prevent people from attending, so there is no cost to attend, the meal and as many drinks as needed are free of charge, but a voluntary donation can be given if people wish.   

Our Café is drawing support and recognition from across the community.  Our current MP Chris Bloore visited in August 2025 because he wanted to see how he could support us.  A local funeral director wanted to include us in their company blog, and a new banner advertising the cafe was designed, created and donated by a family who wanted to support our bereavement ministry. 
 
We have also introduced dedicated, gentle Remembering Services where we can quietly acknowledge those who have died. Anyone of any faith or none is welcome to attend. We held the first one in December which was attended by 18 people. Attendees decorated tree ornaments and during the service were invited to hang them on a memory tree and light a candle. Our second one was held on Holy Saturday which, 21 people attended.  Those who came were given the opportunity to light candles and decorate white pebbles with their loved one’s name.  These were laid at the foot of the Lenten Cross.  They were both beautiful and very emotional services. 
 
Fran Storey