Co-op Funeralcare tackles loneliness with community bereavement group

23 May 2018

Co-op Funeralcare in Aberdare has launched a bereavement group aimed to support members of the local community through the loss of a loved one.

The monthly bereavement group, which is held at the Christchurch Baptist Church, was introduced by Chris Davies, Co-op Funeral Director, and Alison Lewis, Co-op Funeral Arranger, who work at the funeral home on East Avenue. The group provides the local community with companionship and support following a bereavement.

Research from Co-op Funeralcare has revealed that 94% of Welsh adults have experienced a bereavement although less than one in three felt as though they could talk about and express their feelings.*

As well as running bereavement groups, Co-op has recently launched the biggest ever survey into death, dying and bereavement as it works with charities to drive social change and tackle the taboo around the topic**.
Co-op are inviting the nation to take part at www.coop.co.uk/survey

Chris Davis, Co-op Funeral Director said:

“It’s a real concern that the community feel as though they’re unable to talk about, and express, their feelings following a bereavement and for this reason we have decided to set up the group. Our bereavement group offers individuals the opportunity to openly discuss how they’re feeling with like-minded people.

“People tend to expect bereavement groups to be sombre but the reality is that the conversations are so varied and very often the room is filled with laughter. Members of the public who have suffered a loss, whether a friend, family member or even a pet, are welcome to join us.”

The next session will be held on Wednesday 30th at 10.00am at the Christchurch Baptist Chapel, East Avenue, Gadlys, Aberdare. To find out additional information about the group call 01685 872368 or email aberdare@letsco-operate.com.

[ENDS]

Notes to Editors:

Images are available upon request.
*Research conducted by Opinion Matters on behalf of Co-op Funeralcare with 2,000 UK adults in April 2018.

**Visit coop.co.uk/survey. The survey will be conducted by YouGov.

About The Co-op:

The Co-op, one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, with interests across food, funerals, insurance, electrical and legal services, has a clear purpose of championing a better way of doing business for you and your communities. Owned by millions of UK consumers, The Co-op operates a total of 3,750 outlets, with more than 70,000 colleagues and an annual turnover of approximately £10 billion.

Home to the UK’s leading funeral provider, Co-op Funeralcare conducts almost 100,000 funerals annually across over 1,000 funeral homes. Combined with its leading legal services business, the Co-op is also a national provider of later life products and services ranging from funeral plans, through to wills and probate.

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