A Richmond charity which offers bereavement support has benefitted from a generous of over £4,000.
Space2Grieve provides free bereavement support to Richmond’s residents, through highly trained volunteers as well as a professional clinical and service team.
The charity received £4,250 funding through the ICCM Metals Recycling Scheme, a national initiative which recovers metals following cremation to help support charities.
Space2Grieve fundraising and communications manager Katherine Mathers said: “To be able to offer free bereavement support, we need to raise the funds to do so.
“So community giving such as this is key to help us sustain our bereavement services.
“But this donation is not just about community support or funding, but the partnership between Mortlake Crematorium and Space2Grieve strengthens a vital bereavement support network across the borough”.
The charity was formed in 2021 to support adults, children, young people and families in grief.
Richmond residents are able to self-refer and can be seen at Space2Grieve, in schools, or remotely via Zoom.
With 42 bereavement support volunteers, the charity offers compassionate listening, emotional support and practical guidance to help people understand their grief, feel less isolated and explore ways to rebuild their lives following loss.
Space2Grieve also run free drop-in grief cafes every month, under the ‘Compassionate Cuppas’ name, which aim to offer connection and support to bereaved residents.
The monthly grief cafe helps to reduce barriers for getting bereavement support, such as cost, stigma and lack of awareness.
Last year, the charity supported over 300 people with high levels of need, with a further 152 residents attending the grief cafe.
The bereavement support offered by Space2Grieve has a beneficial impact on residents’ mental health, with 98.5% of clients reporting improved wellbeing and greater confidence for the future, while 93% felt less isolated and lonely.
Mathers added support is tailored to the individual and community needs, regardless of when or how a person died.
To get in touch with Space2Grieve, call on 07519 37636 or email [email protected].
Feature image: Space2Grieve
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