A new support group has been set up in Woodbridge to give bereaved relatives and friends the opportunity to meet others in a similar situation and to be offered help and understanding.

The new group has been organised by the East of England Co-operative Society Funeral Service with the support of St Elizabeth Hospice.  It is the first group of its kind to be set up in Suffolk by the Society, which already runs five similar groups in Colchester, Clacton-on-Sea, Witham, Maldon and West Mersea.

Evelyn Rutter, Support Services Co-ordinator for the East of England Co-operative Society Funeral Service, said: “Our commitment to care continues even after the funeral.  This is not a counselling service, but is a self help and support group where you can meet other people who have experienced a loss.

“Many people have said how comforting it has been to be able to attend our groups and meet others experiencing similar emotions.  You can just come along and stay as long or short a time as you want.”

The support group meets on the third Thursday of each month from 10.30am to 12 noon in the Seckford Lounge, at St Mary’s Church Centre, Market Hill, Woodbridge. The next meeting is on Thursday 15th October.

Refreshments are available, the group is not suitable for children, but everyone else is welcome – whether you are a Co-op Member or have used the Society’s Funeral Service or not.   

For further information, please contact Evelyn Rutter on 01206 797196 or 0800 0744362.

Photo caption: Evelyn Rutter (right) from the bereavement support group with colleague Nicola McGivern from the East of England Co-operative Society’s Funeral Services.

Note to Editors:
• The East of England Co-operative Society is the largest independent retailer in East Anglia and has over 200 trading outlets which are located in 73 towns and villages, plus the three regional centres of Norwich, Ipswich and Colchester.

• The Society’s diverse business activities include: supermarkets and food stores, travel, pharmacy, optical and funeral branches, petrol forecourts and motor dealerships. 

For further information:
Laura Bennett, Public Relations Officer, East of England Co-operative Society,
Wherstead Park, The Street, Wherstead, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2BJ    
E-mail: l.bennett@eastofengland.coop