Free training to create your own bereavement peer support group
Published on 29 March 2022 10:59 AM
Many people struggle when they lose somebody close to them. Some people find it difficult to express how they feel, some are unsure how to cope with the transition in their life and some feel terribly lonely or isolated by their loss.
We are all unique individuals and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. If we can connect with others who have also experienced a loss, if we know that they may understand how we are feeling if they are non-judgemental and a good listener; it can help us to cope during a difficult time.
STAR (Share, Talk and Remember) is a bereavement peer support group that was created under a Bristol Ageing Better (BAB) funded community development project in Stockwood, in 2019. The STAR model has since been cascaded across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire through a STAR Training the Trainers Programme; free training for anybody who is interested in setting up a bereavement peer-support group in their local community.
The next round of training begins on 28th April. The training course involves 4 workshops which will take place online via Zoom, followed by a Catch-up session. Find out more and register your place on Eventbrite.
One person who attended the training and now supports a group said, “I’m here to listen and give support because I care but actually, I find that when I leave the sessions I feel that I’ve received therapy because the reward of helping others and making a positive difference to somebody’s life is amazing!”
You can find more information about STAR on their website www.starsconnecting.com or by contacting Jan Perry, the STAR Network Co-ordinator and Freelance Trainer.
STAR is supported by Age UK Bristol’s Connecting Communities programme and funded by Healthier Together.