Sue Ryder Grief Kind Space opens at Sheeplands

Local residents can access free, informal peer-to-peer bereavement support at Sheeplands as Sue Ryder has launched its brand-new Grief Kind Space here at the The Cafe.

The Sue Ryder Grief Kind Space will take place every Wednesday from 10am until 12pm from Wednesday 1 November at Sheeplands Garden Centre, Hare Hatch, London Road, Reading, RG10 9HW. There is no need to register, just pop along.

Sue Ryder representatives state that, ‘Grief Kind Spaces are weekly, in-person drop-in sessions held in the local community and run by trained volunteers. The sessions provide a safe, informal and supportive place for people to come together and share their experiences of grief, helping attendees to feel heard and less alone.’

Grief Kind Volunteers. L-R: Val Buckland, Ed Grehan, Christine Roberts.

The new Grief Kind Space opened on Wednesday 1 November.

Amanda Dean from Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice said: “We have seen such an incredible impact from our Grief Kind Space in Thatcham, it is amazing to be part of somewhere where we are seeing people make connections and open up about their experiences of grief.

“Quite often people feel like they are a burden speaking about their grief to friends or family, but our Grief Kind Spaces help remove that feeling, so people can talk, listen to others who might be experiencing the same as them, and gain support.

“I am delighted that we are able to offer this service to even more people as we open our Grief Kind Space in Reading, providing much needed support to anyone who is grieving.”

As the Grief Kind Spaces grow, the charity is on the look-out for more local volunteers to join them and help make a difference like volunteers Ed Grehan and Val Buckland.

Volunteer Ed said: “Grief Kind Spaces are a brilliant place to meet other people who are experiencing grief, and I help to facilitate that conversation so they can get as much out of it as they can.

“It’s incredible seeing the impact Grief Kind Spaces have, you can see people’s confidence grow from when they first came to where they are now. People who have never been able to talk about their feelings are able to express themselves.

“Knowing I have helped to make a difference to someone’s life is why I enjoy volunteering.”

Sue Ryder hopes its Grief Kind Spaces will help reduce the isolation and loneliness felt by many people following a bereavement.

Volunteer Val said: “I can honestly say everyone who goes to the Grief Kind Space in Thatcham are now more than just attendees, they are friends. That is really something special and I know a lot of people feel less lonely because of the group.

“It is really exciting that another Grief Kind Space is opening, I think every person who has experienced grief could benefit from them.”

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