A free monthly Bereavement Cafe has opened at New Hope Church in Bellfields, first Thursday of each month, 10.30am to 12pm. No booking needed; next one 1 October.

Guildford has a new monthly drop-in for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one. The Bereavement Cafe held its first session on Thursday 3 September at New Hope Church in Bellfields, and it will now run on the first Thursday of every month, 10.30am to 12pm (Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust).

The cafe is a partnership between Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust and Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care, funded by Royal Surrey Charity. It is led by the hospital’s chaplain, Reverend Phil Hughes.

“This cafe is for patients’ families and friends, as well as our staff and members of our broader community who may have been affected by bereavement,” he said.

The trust says the initiative recognises that the need for support does not end when a loved one dies, and that bringing people together can make a real difference to mental health. The sessions are described as an informal, welcoming and safe space to connect with others, share experiences and find support through what can be a very difficult time.

What it means for you

  • Next session: Thursday 1 October, 10.30am to 12pm, then the first Thursday of every month
  • Where: New Hope Church, Bellfields, Guildford GU1 1JY
  • Cost: free, and there is no need to book; just turn up
  • Parking: free for two hours
  • Questions: call 01483 406835 or email rsch.bereavementcafe@nhs.net

The cafe is open to anyone affected by the loss of a loved one: patients’ families and friends, hospital staff, and the wider community.