There is much helpful and downloadable material for those who are bereaved on the Church of England Website

Heavenly Father,
you have not made us for darkness and death,
but for life with you for ever.
Without you we have nothing to hope for;
with you we have nothing to fear.
Speak to us now your words of eternal life.
Lift us to the light and peace of your presence,
and set the glory of your love before us today:
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Just B – a bereavement support group, brings comfort to those recently bereaved. It is normally open on the fourth Tuesday of each month, 14:30 – 16:00 in St Mary’s Church.

The death of a loved one is a difficult time. Once the funeral is over and family and friends have gone home, the bereaved can find themselves alone and possibly for the first time in many years.

For the first few months, family and friends will phone regularly but sometimes that begins slowly to decrease too.

It may be that, at first, the newly bereaved don’t feel able to go out so much. They fear they will break down and embarrass people. It is well known that those who have not been bereaved sometimes find it difficult to talk to those who have, and many even cross the road to avoid doing so.

All members of the Bereavement Support Group have been bereaved themselves and so have an understanding of what a bereaved person is experiencing.

If you know someone who may find comfort or if you are suffering through bereavement yourself you will find a warm welcome at the cafe and be amongst others who are going through, or have experienced the same as you.

No one will mind if you cry; they will offer you a tissue.

No one will mind if you go over the same story again and again; they understand your need to do that.

No one will mind if you just sit drinking your coffee; they understand that too.

For further information and support please contact the Benefice Office in the first instance.

Ross Remembers is a site where people can remember lost loved ones. Although initially a response to the pandemic this site is open to all, of any faith or none, as a place to remember those who have died. There is no cost and you can include photographs, remembrances, poems and prayers and nominate a charity to receive donations. All details are on the site.

Some helpful prayers

Loving God, I pray to you for those whom I love but see no longer. Grant them peace; let light perpetual shine upon them; and in your loving wisdom and almighty power, work in them the good purpose of your perfect will; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

(Adapted from the 1928 Prayer Book)

Loving God, be with me in my grief. Give me the strength to live each day well. I pray for all those who have lost loved ones too. May we know your love in our hearts and feel your arms embracing us in our distress; in Jesus’ name.

Some useful contacts

2gether NHS Foundation Trust

0800 073 2200

2gether offers a talking therapy that has been proven to be effective in managing anxiety and depression, helping you to make changes to the way you think and behave.

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Samaritans

08457 909090 – jo@samaritans.org

Samaritans offers a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal.

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Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS)

0844 561 6855 (local 01452 371945)

The only national charity providing dedicated support to adults bereaved by suicide.  Around 150 volunteers across the UK help to run their services. Volunteers come from all walks of life but nearly all have been touched by suicide themselves.

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Cruse Bereavement Care

01432 359469 –  – herefordshire@cruise.org.uk

The leading national charity for bereaved people in the UK offering face-to-face, telephone, email and website support. Their confidential and free services are provided by a network of 5,000 trained volunteers.

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At a Loss

office@ataloss.org

The UK’s signposting website for anyone bereaved and those supporting them

Bereavement Service at St Mary’s

An annual bereavement service is held at St Mary’s each year on the Sunday closest to All Souls’ Day, the first Sunday in November. The service takes place at 6.00 pm.

This is always a very popular service with an imaginative structure which changes on a three year cycle. It’s a chance to remember those who have died each year during the season of remembrance.