'Threads of sanity' - how a bereavement support group at Moriarty's Cafe in Rugby is doing lifechanging work

A bereavement support group based at Moriarty's Cafe in Rugby have resumed their lifechanging work when they began holding sessions again on Tuesday last week.

Losing a loved one is a harrowing experience at any time - but, as Community Development worker Charlotte Temple from UHCW NHS Trust explained, the social impact of coronavirus means that people might be finding things even more difficult to cope with.

"Social isolation is already an aspect of grief, and our group is there to support anyone who wants to come along - it doesn't matter when the bereavement happened," Charlotte said.

"Coronavirus means that many people have no had the support of their normal social networks after a bereavement, and this can mean that people get stuck at a stage of grief called 'complicated grieving' - they get stuck in a feedback loop."

Before coronavirus the group was meeting on the first Tuesday of every month at Moriarty's Cafe, and that has now resumed.

In addition, Charlotte and her colleagues have set up an online bereavement support group, which she is keen for residents across Warwickshire to join in with.

As we look to the future without restrictions on social interactions, Charlotte explained how the support of the group will still be invaluable.

She said: "Even when people have a network of people around them, they might not feel able to talk to those around them about the problems they are facing.

"One woman we worked was facing terminal cancer and no-one around here was able to speak to her about it.

"People are often scared of saying the wrong thing so they don't say anything.

"We were able to provide her with help and support.

The group is not a counselling service - rather, it exists to provide friendly ears and support for those needing it.

Charlotte said that part of the process of developing the group saw collaboration with St Giles Hospice.

There it was further confirmed to her how much impact support has.

She said: "We had people who had lost their spouses after 50 or more years together.

"There were husbands who didn't even know how to cook for themselves, people said they wouldn't have been able to go on without help.

"It's once-weekly threads of sanity for people."

Anyone wishing to learn more about either the group at Moriarty's Cafe or the online group is welcome to contact Charlotte by emailing [email protected] or calling 07795 367825.

If you are interested in joining the online group but are you not fully confident with computers, Charlotte is happy to provide one-to-one tutoring sessions on how to use the software required.

The support group is also looking for volunteers from the Rugby area.

Anyone is welcome to apply, but Charlotte said they are particularly looking for those with experience in counselling and social care - although people with relevant life experience may also be of great use.

To learn more about volunteering, email [email protected]