What group members have to say:

“What a fantastic group this is, it’s amazing. We all came together, unfortunately, through bereavement and loved ones we lost.

“The group helps you to put things out in the open and bounce off each other. I look forward to the meetings - sometimes they are heart-breaking and we have a good cry, sometimes we have a good old giggle which can be much needed.

“We talk openly about how we feel and about how grief has made us feel. We talk about our lost loved ones and our anniversaries⁄birthdays⁄funerals, and anything we want to speak about within the group.

“The group has brought together people who otherwise would maybe bottle things up and feel they cannot open up about things. There is nothing we can’t say on this group.”

Julie McLaren, Network Rail

“I lost a very close friend during lockdown, and it has really affected me.

“I was a bit unsure about the group at first, as I felt it wasn’t for me. But as soon as I told my story, I immediately felt part of something.

“This group has helped me with so many issues I had around bereavement, and it has also got me to open up about family members who have passed away who I haven’t been able to talk about for years.

“Cat is so welcoming and is always available if anyone needs a one-to-one chat. It is such a good forum for people to come and talk about their experience of bereavement - there is no judgement, and all are welcome whatever the circumstances.

“To have a group like this available to us is so important - it allows people to open up about their grief in a safe space, and I would recommend anyone to give it a try if they are struggling or feeling alone after a bereavement.”

Rena Heyes, Network Rail

“I found RIBSG a great comfort while going through one of the worst times of my life. We as a group have supported one another and I’m so glad that I joined it.”

Eddie Langford, Crossing Keeper, Colthrop

“The Bereavement Group really helped me during the time of losing my sister to COVID.

“The Group is a safe and judgement-free zone where I could talk to people who had been through losses of some kind. The Group respects the confidentiality of each bereaved person and any information shared together by them.

“Each person is treated with compassion and sensitivity, which means you can be yourself and express how you are really feeling.”

Cherry Peddie, Network Rail