Bereavement support

The 3 Churches Bereavement Support Group supports those in our 3 churches family who have suffered bereavement, whether recent or in the past.  We seek to reach out the hand of friendship and show God’s love – knowing when we can help and when we should simply stand by in sympathy.

For those who have died whose funerals take place in one of our churches, or are conducted by one of our clergy at the crematorium or graveside, we make contact by sending a card, phoning or calling (depending on the circumstances) and offering whatever help we can.  We will normally attend the funeral, acting as welcomers when the funeral takes place in one of our churches.

Three months after their death, those who have died are remembered at Mass on the first Tuesday of the month –  9.30am Mass at Christ the King.  Everyone who has died in the previous 12 months, including close relatives of 3 church members whose funerals took place elsewhere, is remembered at our annual 3 Churches Mass of Memories in November.  The Group organises the Mass and sends personal invitations to every family.

We send a card to the family on the first anniversary of a death to underline that they and their loved one are not forgotten.

We also look for opportunities to invite those who have been bereaved to meet for coffee/tea and a chat.

We are not bereavement counsellors but we can offer information about organisations who offer counselling and support.  The details of some of those are given below.

If you would like support from the Group or feel you could  join us in reaching out the hand of friendship to others at a difficult time in their lives, please phone 075 9421 7098 and leave a message or contact Canon Matthew Jones or Father Andy Bord at St Brigid’s Presbytery tel: 029 2075 2389 or email us at bereavementsupport@3churches.org

Support organisations

City Hospice which offers bereavement counselling and support for anyone in Cardiff experiencing loss and grief. This includes a drop-in Bereavement Cafe 2nd Wednesday of each month 10am to 11.30am at Ty Hosbis in Whitchurch Hospital Grounds CF14 7BF and each Monday 10am at the Grangetown Hub, Havelock Place CF11 6PA 10am.  Contact details www.cityhospice.org.uk, telephone 029 2052 4158.

Marie Curie Bereavement Support  for people aged 18+, providing the opportunity to talk in a safe space over the phone with a bereavement volunteer.  Contact details www.mariecurie.org.uk helpline 0800 090 2309

Cruse Bereavement Support provides care and bereavement counselling to people suffering from grief, including children.  Contact details www.cruse.org.uk , national helpline 0808 808 1677, Cruse Cardiff and the Vale 029 2022 6166

The Compassionate Friends (TCF) a charitable organisation of bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents dedicated to the support and care of others who have suffered the death of a child or children of any age and from any cause.   Contact details www.tcf.org.uk , helpline 0345 1232304 or helpline@tcf.org.uk

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) exists to meet the needs and overcome the isolation experienced by people over 18 who have been bereaved by suicide.  Contact details www.uksobs.org, support line 03001115065 or support@uksobs.org