St Mathew’s Surbiton, Surrey KT6 6JQ

Susan Kang, Southwark Pastoral Auxiliary

As a church we are focussing on supporting those in the community who have been bereaved, and we encourage our congregation to reach out to those who are grieving.

We have a small pastoral team and all have received some training.  The Bereavement Care Awareness workshop is particularly helpful.

After The Bereavement Journey, it was clear that those who attended were in need of further support which groups can offer.   We are now running a monthly bereavement support walking group and a monthly bereavement café to which anyone in the community who has been bereaved is welcome.  These are ongoing groups where participants can come and go as they wish.   The Bereavement Café offers a safe space where those who attend can share their experiences and difficulties and receive understanding and support from others in the group.  The group is welcoming towards newcomers.  People often say that they no longer feel alone and feel more confident about their future.  Many have described the group as a lifeline.