Bereavement

The death of a loved one can be a very difficult time for those close to the person who has died. It does not matter whether the death was expected or happened suddenly, grief and shock upon those who have loved that person can be great.

In those early days after a loved one's death, it can feel like one is in a different world. Some have spoken of their grief soon after their loved one has died as like 'walking through a nightmare', with reality suspended. Although the intense pain eases after a few weeks or months, the bereaved still may go through difficult times, sometimes experiencing emotions such as anger, loneliness anxiety and depression.

Bereavement is a time when we need the support of others around us. Someone to listen, to comfort, to occasionally offer words of reassurance.

Often our close family and friends offer that support and comfort, but occasionally the bereaved need extra help to come through this time of grief.

There are people who can help you at this time. Bereavement organisations like CRUSE and others offer one to one counselling for those who feel that would be helpful to them, and at St. Paul's Church, we wish to help in a variety of ways.

Firstly. the clergy are trained to try and understand the feelings that bereaved people experience. They are willing to visit and listen to you and help you through this time in your life.

Secondly, there is a Pastoral Care Group at St. Paul's containing people who have also experienced bereavement - people who can come and support you.

Thirdly, St. Paul's Church has a variety of organisations attached to it that can help the bereaved join in social aspects of life. These groups include the Mothers Union, Lunch Club, Sewing Circle and a Pensioners Drop-in. At St. Paul's we can help you make new friends and begin life again.

Fourthly, we can offer you spiritual guidance. Our services provide for all ages and at a time of sadness many come and find a warm, loving Church community a great strength in recovering from the death of a loved one. In the congregation there are many who are bereaved, quietly supporting and helping one another.