Bethany Bereavement Support
In 2017 our Parishes formed a Bethany Bereavement Support Group its members Terry, Pat, Jean, Margaret, Geraldine, Chris, Frances, Kate and Paula are there if you need to talk to someone about your bereavement, a member of the Bethany Bereavement Support Group can be contacted on the Confidential mobile number: 07849921052
The distinctive features of Bethany are:
The name Bethany recalls the visit of Jesus to Mary and Martha on the death of their brother Lazarus. Although grieving is a natural process which can be helped by the sympathy and understanding of friends, sometimes one may need support to work through it in a positive way. Friends don’t always know how to help; they may be embarrassed by one’s grief; they may even avoid meeting up in the mistaken belief that a meeting may increase distress. It is quite normal to feel anger, guilt, fear and depression as well as the awful pain of loss. These feelings need to be expressed rather than repressed, to be talked out, cried over and put in some sort of perspective. It helps the healing process to talk with a trained listener and confront the very strong feelings associated with grief. Many Bethany members have themselves been bereaved. They are trained to listen with understanding. They accept those suffering loss as they are, and support them through the grieving process.
- The group does not wait to be asked, but initiates contact with the grieving family
- Every family is visited irrespective of religion, nationality or cause of death. Usually six weeks have elapsed before visiting begins, or earlier if requested
- The spiritual dimension of grief is recognized.
The name Bethany recalls the visit of Jesus to Mary and Martha on the death of their brother Lazarus. Although grieving is a natural process which can be helped by the sympathy and understanding of friends, sometimes one may need support to work through it in a positive way. Friends don’t always know how to help; they may be embarrassed by one’s grief; they may even avoid meeting up in the mistaken belief that a meeting may increase distress. It is quite normal to feel anger, guilt, fear and depression as well as the awful pain of loss. These feelings need to be expressed rather than repressed, to be talked out, cried over and put in some sort of perspective. It helps the healing process to talk with a trained listener and confront the very strong feelings associated with grief. Many Bethany members have themselves been bereaved. They are trained to listen with understanding. They accept those suffering loss as they are, and support them through the grieving process.