Finding comfort together: new bereavement support group comes to Middleton

A new bereavement support group aimed at helping residents in Middleton cope with grief will hold its launch night on Wednesday 4 December, from 6pm to 8pm at Bowlee Pavilion in Middleton.

The initiative, the first of its kind in the area, is organised by staff from S. Wellens & Sons Funeral Directors and a dedicated team of volunteers.

The event will introduce the group’s mission and plans to provide a safe space where those affected by loss can find comfort, peer support, and practical help.

The team behind the project is calling on the local community to attend and learn more about this much-needed service.

Gavin Vitler, of S. Wellens & Sons, highlighted the deeply personal nature of grief and the challenges people face when dealing with loss.

He said: “Grief can be overwhelming and all-consuming. Each situation and person is different. There are no rules to how a person grieves; it’s a very personal time and often it involves a person retreating from socialising.”

“Many people find the first steps to regaining confidence and partaking in activities difficult at first.

“We aim to bridge the gap and support people in our community by providing a space for people to come together in various settings around our township of Middleton, using coffee mornings, crafting, and walking as tools to get people talking and sharing stories of their experiences.”

The group plans to host initial gatherings at Bowlee Pavilion, offering coffee mornings, mindful activities such as diamond art and card-making, and opportunities for open conversation.

These sessions are intended for anyone experiencing grief, whether recently bereaved, those who lost loved ones during the pandemic, or parents mourning the loss of a child.

The organisers aim to extend the programme to other areas of Middleton, including the Jumbo Centre, Central Middleton, Boarshaw, and Hollins, to ensure accessibility for all residents.

He added: “Our overall mission is to support people to gain confidence and develop coping techniques to help them feel less overwhelmed with their grief.”

“Grief can create a cycle of loneliness that needs to be handled by caring and offering friendship.

“This group will be the catalyst that encourages people to take the initial step to come out and connect to others again.”

In addition to emotional support, the group offers practical guidance through the expertise of funeral directors and trained volunteers.

The group also seeks to tackle the loneliness and isolation that often accompany bereavement.

He added: “There are no support groups for bereavement in the Middleton area. This is a unique and inspiring project that we know is very much needed. We have some amazing, trained volunteers ready to sit down with you and help guide you through the process.”

Rochdale borough residents are encouraged to attend the launch event to learn more about the group and how it can help those in need.

With its blend of compassionate support and community-driven initiatives, the project aims to fill a critical gap in bereavement care within Middleton.

For more information, visit Bowlee Pavilion Heywood Old Road, Middleton, Manchester M24 4SD on the night, or S. Wellens & Sons Funeral Directors directly.