Monday 2nd December will be our 6th Bereavement Cafe and I can honestly say it is one of the most amazing things I have ever had the privilege of being involved in. Every month I am totally blown away by the people who come along, their willingness to share their stories and listen to those of others.
There's sometimes a few tears, lots of laughter and just a real sense of ease that people feel safe enough to come along and chat. Some people come on their own, others with a friend, but everyone grabs a brew, takes their seat and has a natter.
And that's what it's all about.
Everyone in that room has lost someone, it might be a partner, a parent, a child or a friend and whilst no two grief journeys are the same, there are similarities and there is so much comfort when you realise you're not the only one who feels that way, or everything you're experiencing is totally normal, even when it feels like the least normal thing ever!
Every month I take a moment to stand back and watch as friendships are starting to blossom, people greet each other warmly, check in on how they’ve been, what they've been up to, and they share memories and experiences. There's even people meeting up outside the Bereavement Cafe, going to dances, having coffee, and even on picnics when the weather is nice enough!
New people are welcomed with open arms, a chair pulled up around the table so that they can join in the conversation. The tea and coffee flows, cakes are eaten, there's laughter, there's tears, a listening ear, a hug if ones needed. It is something quite humbling and incredible to watch.
Everybody is welcome to attend, whatever stage of your grief journey you are at, however old you are, whoever you've lost.
The next Bereavement Cafe in Mansfield will take place on Monday 2nd December 2024 and if you follow the signs for the main reception at Mansfield Crematorium you will find us. I joked with someone the other day, that you tend to hear us before you see us! The cafe is between 10am and 12noon.
We have set up a Facebook page, where will be posting more information and details of events going forward so please feel free to give us a like.
We'd like to thank PoFfles Coffee and Cake Emporium who have very kindly offered to provide cakes for the Bereavement Cafe.
If you would like to know more then please get in touch, by emailing bereavementcafemansfield@gmail.com
Also, if you run a local support group, we'd love to hear from you, so we can signpost people towards you.
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