Services

no_space

Supporting Local News

Bereavement group seeks new volunteers to revive vital service

A group that helps adults grieve is aiming to get the free service reactivated throughout the county after previous volunteers never returned after the Covid lockdowns.

At the height of its popularity, the Bethany Bereavement Support Group had twelve groups in Galway.

Now there are three still operating in the Galway Cathedral, Annaghdown and Ballinasloe, holding drop-in sessions as well as one-to-one support in a more private setting or phone support if the person who is grieving would prefer not to travel.

National chairperson Ann Hunt said sometimes bereaved people do not want to tell their family how they are really feeling.

“They are worried in case they upset their friends or family. So having an independent person to chat with can help in most situations, a welcome smile and maybe a cup of tea and a chat can lighten someone’s day. We have been trained to listen with empathy and understanding and we are non-judgemental and accept everyone,” she reveals.

“We are not counsellors or therapists, we are trained to listen and offer support to bereaved people. We find that the group service works well for people as they get to hear the stories and experiences of others who are grieving and who may be at a different stage of their grief. This sharing can give hope and understanding that what people are going through is normal and takes time.”

Anybody who is interested in volunteering should contact 087 990 5299 or log onto Bethany.ie.

Caption: Ann Hunt.

Get the full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune, on sale in shops now, or you can download the digital edition from www.connachttribune.ie. You can also download our Connacht Tribune App from Apple’s App Store or get the Android Version from Google Play.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune:

Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App

Download the Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App to access to Galway’s best-selling newspaper. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.

Or purchase the Digital Edition for PC, Mac or Laptop from Pagesuite HERE.

Get the Connacht Tribune Live app

The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.

More like this:

Sign Up To get Weekly Sports UPDATES

Go Up