Full Circle Bereavement Peer Support
Everybody experiences bereavement in a very personal way and as we are all different, we all have our own preferences as to the type of support that we find helpful. To complement the range of support available, we host a monthly informal bereavement support meeting in each of our Full Circle services.
Please see below for other local peer support groups, or if you would like support to start a group in your area.
What can I expect?
The support group is a very informal peer support group with no formal agenda. Some people choose to come and share their experiences whereas others prefer to simply listen. Many people who attend tell us that it is helpful to spend time in a safe space where they feel comfortable to speak about their bereavement. It can be reassuring to hear that others have similar challenges and feelings and to ask others how they have dealt with difficult situations.
Who can attend?
Our peer support group is open to anyone who would like to attend, whether you have used our funeral care services or not.
This group is peer-led and is not a space for 1:1 or group bereavement counselling. There are no bereavement counsellors present and if you are uncertain whether this is the right space for you then please get in touch to have a chat with Ruth.
Where and when?
The meeting is held on the first Wednesday of the month between 5.30pm – 7pm and is currently being held via Zoom.
Find out more
If you would like to join the meeting or would just like some more information, please contact Ruth on [email protected] or please contact your closest Full Circle service. All the information you need is on the contact page of this website.
After the first session, I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. I felt something “unlock” in my grief; I slept better at night, was more open with my feelings, and was able to move forward rather than “move on”.
– Sian
Starting a peer support group
Bereavement peer support can be a powerful support mechanism when we are grieving. Just knowing that you are in the company of people who have a similar experience to yourself (a bereavement), can help us to feel listened to, understood, supported and friendships made.
Being part of a peer support group might be all that someone needs when coming to terms with their grief, or it can help as a holding space whilst waiting for counselling, or can work in tandem.
If you run an established peer support group in the Leeds area then you may like to find out about the Peer Support Leaders Alliance for support, shared learning and for your own peer support
Training
We are delighted to be able to offer this training, which was initially created by Leeds Bereavement Forum and Sue Sutton from Carers Leeds.
This short course is designed to support people who would like to set up a local peer bereavement support group. The session will ensure that you feel confident and able to set up your group and also allows you to connect to an ongoing peer support group leader network.
Who can attend?
Anyone who would like to find out more about starting their own peer support group can attend.
Where and when?
The peer support group training is currently arranged on request – to suit the timing and needs of those who would like to attend.
Find out more
If you would like to join the training or would just like some more information, please contact Ruth on [email protected] or please contact your closest Full Circle service. All the information you need is on the contact page of this website.
Peer Support Leaders Alliance
If you run an established peer support group in the Leeds area then you may like to find out about the Peer Support Leaders Alliance for support.
This group meets three times a year and is a friendly and supportive group to help peer support group leaders / facilitators to get the help and support they need to confidently practice.
Please get in touch with [email protected] to find out more.
