By Isle of Wight Observer
A new bereavement support group in Ventnor is part of a plan to improve access to Mountbatten’s psychology and bereavement service. It is aimed particularly for Islanders who may not be able to travel to Mountbatten Hospice in Newport, or prefer to seek support closer to home. Similar sessions are already underway at Jill’s Kitchen in Freshwater.
Nigel Hartley, Mountbatten CEO, said: “We know through our experience that bereavement can have devastating consequences for the mental health of those experiencing grief. We have a large population of frail and older residents who are grieving the loss of a loved one, but are unable to get to our group sessions at the hospice in Newport.
“Loneliness and isolation is an everyday occurrence for many and, although we offer support for people living in their own homes, coming together as a group can be far less isolating and offers much-needed peer support and friendship.”
The sessions have been made possible thanks to grant funding from Hospice UK. Anyone who has been bereaved can be supported through Mountbatten’s services; they do not need to be known to or have any connection to the hospice.
It is hoped that eventually more of Mountbatten’s shops will be able to offer the bereavement support groups. The Freshwater group meets at Jill’s Kitchen in Avenue Road at 4.30pm to 6pm on the second Tuesday of the month. The new Ventnor group will meet in the Mountbatten Shop in Ventnor’s Pier Street from 5pm to 6pm on the fourth Tuesdsay of the month.
There is also an opportunity to join Mountbatten’s monthly Death Chat at 6pm on Monday, December 2 in the John Cheverton Centre, when anyone is invited to attend for refreshments, nibbles and origami.
You can find out more information about Mountbatten’s bereavement services by calling (01983) 529511.
