Special programme supports the bereaved on their grief journey

Family-owned funeral directors, Wathall’s, which has an Erewash branch in Borrowash, have confirmed dates for this year’s daytime and evening free programmes designed to help people come to terms with bereavement.

The Grief Journey programme is part of Wathall’s Dandelions Bereavement Support service, 1-2-1 counselling and bespoke training programmes for businesses and organisations.

For easier access, the daytime Dandelions Grief Journey Programme has moved to a new venue at St Peter’s Church in the City Centre on four consecutive Monday afternoons (2pm to 4pm) in March, June and November.  Evening programmes (between 6pm and 8pm) will be held at Derby Rugby Club in Haslam’s Lane in February, May and October.

The Grief Journey Programme is run by specially-trained Wathall’s staff and has been designed to equip people with the tools, knowledge and a fresh mind-set to come to terms with their grief and help them work towards their future.

Helen Wathall MBE is the fifth generation of her family to head up Wathall’s.  She said: “Grief is an individual experience and each person’s emotions and feelings are unique and personal. People join us at various times after bereavement – whenever they feel that they need support.

“It is not formal counselling but the opportunity to be part of a group that explores the grief process and emotional pathway to help bereaved people cope with adjustments to life as it is now and the ‘new normal’.

“The sessions are very informal and people are welcome to bring along a friend for extra support.”

Pre-booking is essential for the free programme with further information available online. or by contacting Wathall’s bereavement support coordinator Fay Bloor on 01332 345268 or email fay.bloor @ wathall.co.uk