Bereavement Group

Julia is a Community Minister at Holy Nativity Church in Eastfield, Scarborough. She completed Stepping Up in July 2025 and started a bereavement group.

The Bereavement Group first started when I was meeting with a lady whose son had suddenly passed away, I chatted to our vicar and asked if we could set up a Bereavement Group. We discovered that Mind were also looking into setting up a Bereavement Group in the area, and so we decided to set up a group in partnership with Mind. 

We decided we would meet on the first Friday of every month in Westway Open Arms from 1pm until 2:30pm. At first there were only a couple of people coming but that was fine as to help one person makes our group worthwhile. 

The group has now grown and has gone from strength to strength. There is one lady who attends who is very good at crafter, who was kind enough to bring a craft in each week for us all to take part in if we feel able to. Decorating mugs with transfers was a really positive activity for everyone to enjoy.

The Bereavement Group is a safe space where everyone has a voice and is given time to speak about their personal experiences of losing someone. There is always a warm welcome with tea, coffee and cake for anyone who would like to come and join us. 

To read more about Julia and her Stepping Up journey click here.

To read more about Holy Nativity, Eastfield, click here.