Sue Ryder seeks volunteers for new bereavement support initiative

A national healthcare and bereavement charity is looking for volunteers in Swindon to help set up an initiative offering support to residents who are struggling with the death of a loved one.

Sue Ryder is opening a series of Grief Kind Spaces across the country this year, with the latest opening at Village Hotel Swindon, located in the Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, in the coming months.

The charity is calling for community members willing to volunteer their time to listen to and support people in their own communities who are grieving and need more help.

Grief Kind Spaces will be free drop-in sessions that take place weekly and will be run by trained volunteers.

They will provide a safe and supportive space for people who have experienced a bereavement to come together.

Through this initiative, the charity is aiming to alleviate the feelings of isolation and loneliness that often accompany the death of a loved one.

Sue Ryder’s area coordinator for Grief Kind Spaces, Carrie Connolly, is spearheading the development of Grief Kind Spaces across Wiltshire.

She said: "Almost every home in the UK has, or will experience the death of someone.

"Yet, our research tells us two out of three people who are grieving are still not getting the support they need.

"When we asked 8,500 bereaved people what type of support they wanted, they told us how important it was for them to be able to access more support within their communities.

"That’s why we’re launching our Grief Kind Spaces."

Ms Connolly added: "However, to open a Grief Kind Space here in Swindon we need local residents to volunteer with us.

"All volunteers joining us will be offered training which will equip them in their role.

"If you are interested in joining us in bringing Grief Kind Spaces to Swindon please get in touch.

"You don't need to have experience or have done anything like this before - just have a willingness to support others."

The charity said it will share more details about Swindon’s first Grief Kind Space soon.

To register your interest in becoming a Grief Kind volunteer in Swindon, email GriefKindSpaces@sueryder.org, call 01767 642410 or visit the Sue Ryder website.

For anyone who is grieving, Sue Ryder offers free online support through its website.

The charity campaigns for people who are approaching the end of their life or grieving to have access to the right support.