‘This group has saved by life’ ‘I don’t know what I would have done without this group’ ‘I have made friends for life in this group’  These are just some of the comments from people that attend the bereavement support group run by Carers Leeds.

When someone dies, particularly if you have been caring for them, life can feel very lonely and the motivation you had to get up and go out seems to disappear.  A group is a good way to meet other people who are in a similar situation to yourself and chance to chat about how you are feeling.  It can be very reassuring to find out that other people have been feeling the same as you.

At the moment Carers Leeds runs two groups for bereaved carers; the support after loss group which meets once a month at Carers Leeds HQ in the centre of Leeds.  We alternate activities each month. One month the group meets for a chat a cup of coffee and the alternate month is either a trip out somewhere or an activity.  The latest trip was to Saltaire and we had a fascinating walking tour of the village by the fabulous Salts Walks.

The second group is run in conjunction with Cross Gates Good Neighbours.  This group meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month and in response to popular demand the time has been extended to 2.45pm – 4.15pm.  This group is a chance to enjoy a hot drink and biscuit and a chat.  If you are new to Cross Gates Good Neighbours, we can also tell you about all of the excellent activities that take place there.

The good news is we are about to launch a new group in conjunction with South Leeds Live at Home, St Andrew’s Church, Beeston.  The group will start in July and will run on the 2nd Wednesday of the month  1-2pm.

If you want any more information about any of the groups, contact me on 07539 101 014.

Sue Sutton, Bereaved Carer Support and Development Worker