Bereavement Support Groups
Grief is a natural reaction to the death of a loved one. After the funeral, many people’s lives return to normal, but for those who were closest to the deceased, their lives are changed forever. Grief can feel very lonely and isolating. In response, Rosedale offers free Bereavement Support Groups. They are open to everyone, regardless of which funeral director was used or how long ago the loss occurred.
These groups run several times a year for eight consecutive weeks, at different times and locations across Norfolk and Suffolk. Attendees can be assured of a welcoming, non-judgmental environment and the support of others who are also bereaved. These structured groups are run by experienced Bereavement Facilitators who will facilitate discussion and offer tools which may help. Following the eight week programme, an ongoing follow-on/friendship group is available. This group provides a safe space to socialise and continue to receive bereavement support on a less structured basis.
"Do it, don't be shy or embarrassed because its very helpful and you meet very nice people and you help each other"
"Don't hesitate, come along"
"You will feel welcome, people are friendly and very supportive"
"Safe space and very welcomed to group, no need to worry"
"It was hard to go the first week, but once you take the first step you find it very helpful and it brought out things I had bottled up for years"
"Beforehand you worry, once there you realise everyone is in the same boat and it helps so much to have company"
"I was very doubtful about coming but am so glad I did. I would recommend it to anyone"
"I am a very anxious and nervous person, I did it and so can you. It has really helped me"
Upcoming groups
Our Bereavement Support Groups take place in Diss, Wymondham, Halesworth, Beccles and Bungay and run at various points throughout the year.
There is no fee to join and everyone is welcome, no matter how long ago the bereavement or which funeral director was used.
Groups commencing
Monday
26th February 2024 and 30th September 2024
10am-11.30am
and running for
8 Mondays
Friends Meeting House
15 Smallgate
Beccles
NR34 9AB
For more information and to register
please contact our Beccles office:
01502 714445
[email protected]
Groups commencing
Tuesday
27th February 2024 and 1st October 2024
10am-11.30am
and running for
8 Tuesdays
Bungay Community Centre
Old Grammar Lane
Bungay
NR35 1PU
For more information and to register
please contact our Bungay office:
01986 892790
[email protected]
Groups commencing
Monday
26th February 2023 and 30th September
2pm – 3.30pm
and running for
8 Mondays
Pear Tree Centre
Bungay Road
Halesworth
IP19 8SG
For more information and to register
please contact our Halesworth office:
01986 875588
[email protected]
Tuesday
May 7th 2024
10am – 11.30am
and running for
8 weeks
Connaught Hall
Station Road, Attleborough NR17 2AS
September 10th 2024
10am – 11.30am
and running for
8 consecutive weeks
Wymondham Baptist Church
Queen Street
Wymondham
NR18 0AY
For more information and to register
contact our Wymondham or Attleborough office:
01953 601103 / 01953 452538
[email protected]
[email protected]
Groups commencing
Tuesday
7th May 2024
2.30pm – 4.00pm
and running for 8 consecutive weeks at
United Reform Church
Mere Street, Diss, IP22 4AD
and
10th September 2024
2.00- 3.30pm
and running for
8 Tuesdays
Salvation Army
36-40 Sunnyside, Diss IP22 4DS
For more information and to register
please contact our Diss office:
01379 640810
[email protected]
Our Support Group for those bereaved by suicide runs
on the second Monday of the month at
Harleston Community Centre
Wilderness Lane
Harleston
IP20 9DD
5.30pm – 7.00pm
8th January
12th February
11th March
8th April
13th May
10th June
8th July
12th August
9th September
14th October
11th November
9th December
For more information and to register
please contact our Harleston branch:
01379 853999
[email protected]
What should I expect?
The bereavement support groups follow the eight week Rosedale Bereavement Support Programme run by experienced facilitators and each participant will receive their own bereavement support booklets.
During the course we look at the many facets of grief and explore the emotions involved, whilst looking at the effect this is having and exploring ways in which to cope as the grieving process is being addressed.
We understand that no one person’s grief is worse than the next and that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. The group offers a safe space for open and honest sharing, which is all part of the healing process.
There courses run in our local communities, usually three times a year. On completion of the 8 weeks, attendees are welcome to join our Follow On Group, which meets on a monthly basis, thus enabling a continuation of support, even after the course is complete.
We also have social events during the year, which include a Walk of Remembrance and also a Christmas Service of Remembrance.
Over the years we have found that people attending the Rosedale Bereavement Groups feel very supported, at what is one of the most difficult times of their lives and many great friendships are made as a result of attending.
Follow on/ Friendship group
The friendship group meets on a monthly basis, sometimes to carry out a bereavement activity over a meal, to hear a relevant guest speaker or sometimes to take part in a social activity. Loneliness and isolation, often together with guilt and anger are key features of bereavement and a social activity around a key date such as Christmas with people who care and understand what you are going through can be extremely beneficial. Activities that have been carried out include a wreath making workshop, assistance for single ladies with basic car maintenance and budgeting and shopping for meals for one. A recent project headed by Simon Becket-Allen has been to produce a recipe book entitled ‘Cooking For One.’ Many bereaved people living alone have found this extremely helpful and it this is now on sale throughout the country. A range of bereavement resources are also made available including books, DVDs, memory boxes and bears.
Please take a look at our Useful Contacts page for further information.
