Walking talking group for the bereaved marks fifth anniversary
A support group for recently bereaved families is celebrating its fifth anniversary after helping people find comfort, companionship and understanding following the loss of a loved one.
The Patient & Family Support Services team at Severn Hospice first set up the Bereavement Walking Group in the wake of the Covid pandemic and since then it has continued to bring compassionate support to family members whose loved ones have been cared for by the charity.
The volunteer-led group, which provides a gentle way to connect with others who are also navigating grief, meets monthly and the walks take place close to the hospice’s Shrewsbury site.
As well as providing emotional support, the group has helped many participants form strong and lasting friendships, with members often arranging social activities and meeting outside of the organised walks.
Peter Wynn is a volunteer at the charity and leads the walks. He said: “The positive impact these monthly walks has on individuals is immeasurable, mainly in helping them deal with their loss and finding their way back to some form of normality following the loss of a loved one, in addition the walks have also provided a platform to new friendships and social groups beyond the hospice setting.
“During the past five years, I have had the privilege in meeting people when they are going through one of the most difficult times of their life and hopefully helping them in some small way on their journey through the grief process.”
Sharon Jones, Patient & Family Support Services Manager at Severn Hospice said that those who take part in the monthly walks have developed strong friendships and organise social activities amongst themselves.
“The volunteers who run the walks are justifiably proud of the group and know how beneficial it is to everyone who takes part. People can just walk and talk and be with others that get why they are there without too much interrogation; friendships are formed and sustained; relationships develop and it's great to see them blossom.
“The walks are available to family members of those who have received end-of-life palliative care and support at Severn Hospice and show how our care goes beyond the patient. We are there for anyone who has experienced our loving, dignified and compassionate services.”
The Bereavement Walking Group remains an important part of the support available through Severn Hospice, helping people take positive steps forward while remembering and honouring those they have lost.
