St Bedes “Butterfly Café” to open July 2024
When someone you love dies, it can be one of the most painful things you have to endure. Allowing yourself time to grieve and mourn your loss is normal, healthy and essential.
The Butterfly Café is an informal drop-in that opens twice a month and is held at St. Albans centre, Windy Nook, Millview, NE10 9SU. Facilitated by the staff on St Bedes and hospice volunteers, it is intended to provide support with the opportunity to meet and talk to others going through similar experiences.
Welcoming and safe place
The group provides a welcoming and safe place where you can talk about your loss, enjoy refreshments and benefit from the input of our experienced nurses and healthcare assistants. The drop-in café is informal and is open between 11 – 12:30 every other Thursday, commencing 4th July 2024.
The ward manager on St Bedes said, “I am delighted that we are able to open the St Bedes Butterfly Cafe. Covid and lockdown forced us to postpone this new venture and I know the staff are keen to commence this new project. Now, as things are getting back to normal, we are looking forward to meeting and supporting people as they learn to come to terms with their loss”.
The Butterfly Café is open to anyone who has been bereaved, however long ago the loss has been and in whatever the circumstances the death occurred.
The staff involved in the process of setting up the café have all been on an introduction to counselling course but please note they are not trained counsellors and will direct you onto appropriate organisations should they feel the need for specialist support.
Introduction
Grieving is a normal process, but it can affect people in different ways. You may experience a mixture of emotions such as:-
- Shock
- Disbelief
- Guilt
- Anger
These emotions can be difficult to understand and deal with on your own.
Who is the service for?
This confidential service is available to relatives who have been bereaved and feel they would benefit from someone to talk to.
What does “Butterfly Café” offer?
Sometimes it can be helpful to talk about how you feel after being bereaved.
Experienced staff and volunteers can offer practical as well as emotional support during this difficult time, such as:
- Someone to talk through your feelings and emotions with
- Practical advice following your bereavement
- An opportunity to share similar experiences with other people
How do I access the service?
Make an appointment by telephoning St Bedes Unit on 0191 445 5704 / 5701
Butterfly Café Meetings 2024
Every other Thursday at 11 am – 12:30 pm
Contacts
St Bede's Palliative Care Unit
St Bedes Palliative Care Unit
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Gateshead
NE9 6SX
