Losing someone you love is one of life’s most difficult experiences. Whether the loss is recent or happened some time ago, grief can affect every part of our lives. It affects everyone differently and can have a significant impact on both our physical and mental wellbeing. While family and friends provide invaluable support, many people find it helpful to meet others who have experienced a loss, reducing feelings of isolation and gaining a better understanding of the emotions that accompany bereavement.
St Mary’s Church, Lytchett Matravers is introducing The Bereavement Journey® – a seven-session programme designed to support people who are grieving. Each session combines short films, guided discussion and practical insights in a safe, welcoming and confidential environment. Participants are encouraged to explore the impact of their loss, understand the grieving process and discover positive ways of moving forward.
The course is suitable for anyone who has experienced the death of a partner, family member, friend or someone close to them, whether the loss was recent or many years ago. There is no pressure to speak until you feel ready, and everyone is encouraged to participate at their own pace.
The course is open to everyone, whatever your faith or beliefs, and there is no expectation that you attend church. The seventh and final session is optional and offers a Christian perspective on some of the spiritual questions that often arise following bereavement, making the programme suitable for people of any faith or none.
During the seven weekly sessions participants explore:
- Understanding attachment, separation and loss
- The emotional and physical effects of grief
- Anger, guilt and other common responses
- Coping with the reactions of family and friends
- Delayed or suppressed grief
- Adjusting to life after loss
- Moving forward in a healthy way
Course Details
📅 Starts: Sunday 18 October 2026
📅 Duration: Seven weekly sessions, finishing Sunday 29 November 2026
🕑 Time: 2.00 pm – 4.30 pm
📍 Venue: Lytchett Matravers Youth Hall
A voluntary donation of £20 is suggested to help cover the cost of the participant handbook, hall hire and other resources. However, nobody will be prevented from attending because of cost.
Register:
To register, please contact Karen Hesketh:
📧 wardens@smlm.co.uk☎️ 01202 020462
Further Information
If you would like to know more about the course, please contact:
Gil Schwenk
The Bereavement Journey® Coordinator
St Mary’s Church, Lytchett Matravers
Please share this information with family, friends and neighbours. Someone you know may be quietly struggling with bereavement and could benefit from the support of others who truly understand.
You don’t have to face grief alone. Support is available, and taking the first step can make all the difference.
For more information about The Bereavement Journey® and other bereavement support services, visit AtaLoss.org.