A PALLIATIVE care nurse and grief counsellor is setting up new bereavement groups following the success of a group which has been running in Addingham.
Jo Onions set up the Addingham group last October and is now set to start groups to cover Burley-in-Wharfedale, Silsden and Skipton.
Jo said: "In October 2023 I started the Addingham bereavement group, as part of my role as a grief counsellor. The group has been a great success and as a result I decided to set up more groups in the local community, with a further three starting in March, to cover Burley-in-Wharfedale, Silsden and Skipton."
The support groups are a lifeline to people struggling with unresolved grief, either from a recent or historical bereavement. They help to reduce social isolation, distress and feelings of helplessness.
Jo, who is a Registered General Nurse with over 30 years experience in the field of palliative care, dementia care and neurological disorders, added: "I have been overwhelmed by the encouragement of the local community, with various organisations helping to make the groups more sustainable, including the Wharfedale & Silsden Community Partnership, Burley Parish Council, Addingham Panto and Keighley Healthy Living.
"As well as receiving emotional support, the groups are a source of practical advice, such as assistance with administrative tasks and helping to signpost to local organisations.
"Often the most difficult step is walking through the door, but I hope I can assure you that you will discover a sense of warmth, comfort and genuine understanding from the group.
"Please feel free to get in touch on 07927 769400 or visit the website reset-counselling.co.uk for more information."
The Addingham group meets on the first Monday of the month from 7pm-9pm in the Hub.
The Burley-in-Wharfedale group meets on the second Thursday of every month from 2pm-4pm in the Parish Centre.
The Silsden group meets on the first Tuesday of the month from 10.30am-12.30pm at Silsden Methodist Church.
The Skipton group meets on the last Monday of the month from 10am-12noon at the Greatwood & Horseclose Community Centre.
Keighley is by appointment with Keighley Healthy Living.
All groups are completely free of charge.
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