I just wanted to share that I have been made aware of a Bereavement Cafe near where I live in Norwich. It is supported by the Norwich branch of Cruse and I went for the first time this last weekend. I found it really useful but unfortunately they only meet once a month.
Has anyone experience of similar meetings? I recommend the Norwich one.
Hello @DSC,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing this with us. I’m just giving your thread a gentle, “bump” for you - hopefully someone will have some thoughts to share.
Take good care,
Alex
I am about 40 minutes drive from Norwich. I didn’t realise there was a cafe there. I am on the waiting list for one to one counselling from Cruse , my husband died suddenly and unexpectedly just over 8 months ago… Am glad you found it helpful. I may see how the one to one goes and consider it. I don’t really know what to expect.
I am having Cruse counselling too - it’s very helpful. The Cafe is at the Woodlands Cemetery Watton Rd, Norwich NR4 7TY, its off the roundabout at the junction of the A47. The next meeting is 18 October (3rd Saturday of each month 10-12). There are Cruze people there and they are very welcoming, you don’t have to be a member or being counselled to turn up and meet people going through what you are. There are a lot of ladies there and there is tea and coffee and home made cakes. If you feel up to it I would recommend you pop along. (there is no fixed time just the 10-12 window).
Take care,
Duncan
Thank you Duncan that is very kind of you. Thanks so much .
Unfortunately, I live some distance from Norwich. But maybe there’s one near me.
I would guess there is - google Cruse or Cruze bereavement Cafe and you may find one
You might find AtALoss helpful to look at too, @PeterD - they have a directory of local bereavement support. Here’s their website:
Hello Cloudsky
I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my husband very suddenly in February and have been lucky to have received 5 weeks of Cruse counselling. A very kind lady has allowed me to speak each week. It has been very difficult but also very helpful. Have a hot, sweet cup of tea ready and plenty of tissues. Be prepared to talk about your worst moments- I think getting them out is the most productive thing to do. The day after my session I always feel lighter. Good Luck .
Thanks so much @Yvonne7 . Like you, the loss of my husband was so unexpected, totally out of the blue. We had so many plans. I didn’t fancy counselling at first I think I was in such shock. Then it took me ages to get through to Cruse but they were lovely. I am expecting it to start soonish. Am sort of dreading it because my mind tends to block that day out mostly. But I think it will do me good. Sorry you are also in this position and am glad it helped you xxx
Dear DSC,
I am in London, I have attened a Death and a Grief Cafe, I think that they are superb!! Superb!! I could do with one of those every morning.
Well done to you for attending, condolences for your loss.
Warm wishes
Comfort1 x
Hi I’m interested in finding or setting up a similar thing near me, but with a craft/art thing. But when I approached cruise for even just advice, they told me that they were only focused on counselling and groups/meetings was not something they supported or advised about. So Im wondering if your Norwich meeting point would be able to give me advice…
I’m going there next Saturday so will ask - also on Monday I have my last session with a Cruse counsellor and I will try her for you too.
Regards, Duncan
Thank you so much
Hi Emma, I’ve spoken to my Cruse contacts and they would like to get in contact, they wanted your email but obviously I don’t have that and I explained that you can’t post that on an open forum such as this so I am going to send them a link to this forum and then hopefully they will get in touch through this and you will be able to have a dialogue with them.
Best regards,
Duncan
Thank you Duncan. I am finding the format of this site quite difficult, so I really hope I don’t miss their message.