Emma Andrews, Bereavement Counsellor and Care Co-ordinator, and Daphne Mark, Psychological Therapist, shared why talking about death, dying and grief matters and how open, honest conversations can bring comfort, understanding and connection.
For many people, grief can feel incredibly isolating. When someone you love has died, simply finding the courage to leave the house or speak about how you’re feeling can be a huge step.
During Dying Matters Week, we’ve been talking about how encouraging open conversations about death, dying and grief can often bring comfort, clarity, and peace of mind. Talking about death and grief can be scary, and you might feel apprehensive or unsure of where to start – but it can make things easier for everyone. Finding the right words isn’t always easy, or possible, but starting the conversation matters.
Our Comfort Café, held at Brampton Community Centre and Wigton Library, offers a gentle and welcoming space to start talking about grief at your own pace – and it has been a huge comfort to many.
Many people come to the Comfort Café feeling unsure or anxious, but soon find reassurance in simply being around others who understand. As Emma Andrews, Bereavement Counsellor and Care Co-ordinator explains, bereavement can turn someone’s world upside down. “Bereavement can be very isolating. Suddenly, everything we held to be true is thrown up in the air as we struggle to make sense of who we are in a world without the person we love.”
Within the first year, a total of 51 people found friendship and solace at our Comfort Café after it opened in the Autumn of 2023 at Brampton Community Centre. For some, speaking to someone outside family and close friends can feel easier; for others, it’s simply comforting to sit quietly among people who understand. One attendee described the Comfort Café as a lifeline, sharing how the smiling faces and kind words helped them make sense of their grief at an overwhelming time, “the smiling faces and kind words… knowing you aren’t the only person feeling the immense sense of grief at possibly the worst time ever… making sense of thoughts, feelings and emotions when it feels like it’s going to be impossible to unravel it all. I will be forever grateful.”
Emma and Daphne spoke about the importance of providing a space where people can talk as much – or as little – as they wish. Daphne shares, “it’s about providing those who do want to talk about it the chance to be heard. It’s about help and advice on how to have those conversations and what we might need to think about regarding our own death and the death of those we love.”
When someone you love dies, you don’t have to cope alone. We offer warm, compassionate bereavement support in a welcoming, inclusive space where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported. Our services include one-to-one counselling and support groups, and are designed to offer comfort, understanding, and connection during a profoundly difficult time.
For more information on how we can support you and your loved ones in a way that’s meaningful and personal to you, visit our Bereavement Support page.
