Hospice Friends Group Funds Woodbridge Bereavement Benches
The Woodbridge Friends of St Elizabeth Hospice have generously contributed to the installation of plaques on three new bereavement benches, enhancing the support available to those experiencing loss or grief in the local community.
Officially opened in May, these benches are located at Woodbridge Boating Lake and at Deben Leisure Centre by the green.
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: “A huge thank you to Woodbridge Friends for purchasing the plaques for the bereavement benches. Their generous contribution will have a significant impact on the lives of many people in our local community.
“Woodbridge Friends have been incredible hospice supporters for more than 30 years, raising a remarkable amount of money for the charity during this time. They are always welcoming new members, so if you’re interested in joining, please contact the hospice 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.
Established over 30 years ago, Woodbridge Friends of St Elizabeth Hospice has raised over £300,000 for the charity during this time, through hosting a range of events over the years.
Anne Barratt, Chairman of Woodbridge Friends, said: “We support the hospice because we understand the vital role it plays in the community. Many of us have had personal experiences with the hospice, reinforcing our commitment to its work.
“We hope these benches will be well used by the public, helping to raise awareness of the hospice’s presence and impact.
“At Woodbridge Friends, we continue to raise awareness through various fundraising events and by sharing information within the community. We are a friendly and welcoming group, always keen to welcome new members -so if you’d like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you.”
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.
