Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care will offer support to those who have suffered from bereavement through Compassionate Cafés drop-in sessions.

They will provide a welcoming space for those impacted by this type of loss.

They take place at Great Missenden Library on the last Wednesday of each month from 10.00am - 11.30am.

Each session is facilitated by trained volunteers who ensure the cafe offers a safe and welcoming space for people to come together for friendship, emotional support and a listening ear. 

As well as giving people a space to talk about their loss, volunteers provide information and signpost local services that can help. 

To mark its first anniversary of operating as Rennie Grove Peace, the charity wants to make even more Bucks residents aware of the Compassionate Café and invites those who may benefit from the free service to attend a session.

Alison May, the Community Engagement Manager at Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care, said:

“The scheme was originally set up by Peace Hospice Care and thanks to the successful merger last year, we’re proud to have brought the model to people in Buckinghamshire.

“To mark our first anniversary as Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care, we are calling on all local people to spread the word about this amazing free service that’s available right on their doorsteps.  

"A warm welcome and a trained, listening ear awaits anybody in Buckinghamshire who has experienced loss and would like a place to come together and talk.”

One anonymous person, who attended a session, added: “On my recent visit to a Compassionate Café I had no idea what to expect, felt a bit nervous and was unsure of what feelings it might awaken in me. 

“Once I arrived a volunteer welcomed me and instantly made me feel at ease. 

“I looked around and realised the room was buzzing with chatter - some faces were smiling and others slightly more serious.

"Some people were chatting, some were listening…the conversation was varied from pets and hobbies to hospice care and funerals.

“Overall, this was an opportunity to open up on mortality, wishes, feelings, memories…anything I wanted really.

“I felt welcome and accepted in a friendly and non-judgemental, safe space.

"I might go back as I think maybe we could all do with talking more about those we have lost and being there for others.”

To find out more visit renniegrovepeace.org/compassionatecafes, call 01923 330330 or email compassion@renniegrovepeace.org.