Barnes in Common

the magazine of Churches Together in Barnes
November/December 2008

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Barnes Bereavement Visitors

Barnes Bereavement Visitors was launched on 4th September in the presence of the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Geoff Acton, and Cllr Eleanor Stanier. Churches Together in Barnes had seen the need for a Bereavement Visiting volunteer service here. A training programme was organised by Revd. Grant Holmes, Revd. Judith Roberts and Rosemary Hurry and now the vision has been realised.

The Deputy Mayor, Cllr Geoff Acton, at the launch of Barnes Bereavement Visitors

At some time in our lives almost all of us have to cope with the death of someone we care deeply about. Even though their death may not come as a surprise, it is always a shock. Suffering the death of a loved one, even when the death is expected, is often a disorienting experience. Grieving is an important part of the healing process and the more fully you feel and express your pain, sorrow and even rage, the more quickly you may be able to move on with your life. It is important to grieve and mourn and not try to hide away from the reality of the death.

A Barnes Bereavement visitor is someone who is experienced and ready to listen to you while you talk about your loss and your feelings. They are not all counsellors, though they can arrange for you to talk to a counsellor if you would like that. They are there to help you grieve and come to terms with your loss and to reassure you that what you are experiencing is perfectly normal and perfectly natural. Remember that all our visitors are volunteers – they are there for you because they want to be there for you – and the service is completely confidential.

You can call Barnes Bereavement visitors on 020 8408 0133 and you will also find leaflets in all the Barnes churches.