LEEDS district residents can now access free and informal peer-to-peer bereavement support from Sue Ryder, after the charity has launched its brand-new Grief Kind Space at the John Lewis Community Hub in Victoria Gate, Leeds.
Chris Ellis from Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice said she hoped the initiative would help reduce the isolation and loneliness felt by many people following a bereavement.
She said, “Almost every home in the UK has, or will experience the loss of someone, but Sue Ryder’s research* has found that 86% of people who had been bereaved said they felt alone in their grief.
“Our Grief Kind Spaces in Leeds will offer a free, friendly in-person drop-in session providing a safe, welcoming and supportive place for anyone who has been bereaved to share their experiences of grief, helping them to feel heard and less alone.”
Further research by the charity revealed an acute need for more informal bereavement support, which carved the way for the creation of Grief Kind Spaces.
Chris added, “When we asked 8,500 bereaved people what type of support they wanted, they told us how important it was for them to be able to access more support within their communities. That’s why we’re starting to roll out Sue Ryder Grief Kind Spaces across the country, giving people who are grieving access to informal, in person, peer-to-peer support. I hope through our Grief Kind Space here in Leeds, along with more Grief Kind Spaces opening across the country this year, we can meet this unfulfilled need.”
The Grief Kind Space in Leeds takes place on the second Monday and the last Thursday of every month from 4.30pm until 6.30pm.
“Our Grief Kind Space will be welcoming, inclusive and open to anyone who is over 18 and has experienced a bereavement,” shared Chris. “Whether you want to attend regularly to connect with others in similar situations or drop in for a quick chat."
The charity hopes to launch a further Grief Kind Space in Village Hotel, North Leeds in the autumn, but to do so Sue Ryder needs more volunteers to join them.
Chris added: "If you are interested in joining us in bringing more Grief Kind Spaces to Leeds please get in touch.”
To register your interest in becoming a Grief Kind volunteer please email GriefKindSpaces@sueryder.org or visit sueryder.org/GKVolunteer For details and locations of existing Sue Ryder Grief Kind Spaces visit www.sueryder.org/Spaces For anyone who is grieving, Sue Ryder offers free online support at sueryder.org/grief
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