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Friends Group Funds Felixstowe Bereavement Benches

01 October 2024

The Felixstowe Friends of St Elizabeth Hospice have generously contributed to the installation of plaques on four new bereavement benches, enhancing the support available to those experiencing loss or grief in the local community.

Officially opened on 20 September, these benches are located in a Victorian shelter at the end of Orford Road, two close Bent Hill, and one on Brook Lane.

The bereavement benches are designed as public symbols of acknowledgment for grief, offering a reflective space in an open setting.

Positioned in communal areas, these benches not only provide a place of solace but also raise awareness and understanding of grief.

Kelly Nekrews, Community Fundraising at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “Thank you so much to Felixstowe Friends for purchasing these plaques for the bereavement benches, which will make a big difference to the lives of many in our local community.

“The Felixstowe Friends have been fantastic supporters of the hospice for over 17 years and they have raised a phenomenal amount of money for the charity in this time. They are always looking for new members, so if you would like join please do contact the hospice to for more information.”

The benches also serve as a gateway to further help, as they feature QR codes by linking visitors to St Elizabeth Hospice’s Compassionate Communities’ website. Through this, individuals can access free resources, guidance, and community support for managing grief and coping with loss.

Felixstowe Friends of St Elizabeth Hospice was established 17 years ago and has raised over £144,000 to support the charity during this time, while they also volunteer at flagship hospice events, such as Christmas Day Dip and Suffolk Remembers.

Lena Moreton, group secretary at Felixstowe Friends, said: “We saw it as out opportunity to provide something for the people of Felixstowe who are always so generous in the support of St Elizabeth Hospice.

“People enjoy sitting on the prom benches and shelters, taking in the vista and relaxation. Seeing our plaques will remind them of loved ones and also they can receive more information of the hospice’s support available for the community by using the QR code.”

Compassionate Communities is a national approach which supplements the support given by healthcare providers, by equipping the public to support each other with during some of the most difficult times in their lives, such as the death of a loved one or the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness.

Through Compassionate Communities, St Elizabeth Hospice provides resources and guidance to enable anyone to feel more confident in having conversations surrounding the often ‘taboo’ topics of bereavement, death and dying.

Find out more by visiting www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/compassion.

If you would like to meet Kelly and Lena to find out more about The Felixstowe Friends, they will be in Cuppa Café, 81 High Road Felixstowe on the 5th November from 10am- 12.30pm.

For more information about joining Felixstowe Friends, or if you would like to create a new group in East & Mid Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney, contact – kelly.nekrews@stelizabethhospice.org.uk or call 07562 657869.