A new monthly community bereavement café is being launched at East Riding Crematorium at Octon near Driffield.
It will offer a warm, welcoming space for people living with grief and loss.
Taking place on the third Tuesday of every month, the cafés are open to anyone aged 18 and over who has experienced bereavement or loss — whether recently or many years ago.
The café has been created to provide a calm and supportive environment where local people can meet others who understand the experience of grief. Visitors are welcome to share memories and feelings, ask questions, seek local bereavement support information, or simply sit quietly with a cup of tea/coffee in the company of others.
The cafés will be hosted by Sue Dixon, a qualified counsellor and grief support specialist based in East Yorkshire.
Sue said:
“Grief can feel incredibly lonely and isolating, even when surrounded by people. Many individuals tell me they simply want somewhere safe and understanding to go where they do not feel pressured to explain themselves or hide how they are feeling.
“The café is not formal counselling or therapy. It is a gentle community space where people can come exactly as they are. Some people may wish to talk, others may just want to listen or quietly be around others who understand loss.
“We also recognise that grief is not only about losing a partner or family member. People may be grieving the loss of a friend, a beloved pet, a relationship, health, identity, or significant life changes. Everyone’s grief experience is personal and valid.”
There is no charge to attend and no booking is required.
