We are delighted to share that the South-West Middlesex Crematorium has donated £12,000 to space2grieve to help us to continue to provide free, confidential, one-to-one bereavement support to anyone living in Richmond borough.
Since 2011 the South-West Middlesex Crematorium has participated in the Metal Recycling Scheme, coordinated by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management ( ICCM). The scheme recycles the metals which are present after a cremation has taken place, e.g. nails of coffins, with the specific written agreement of the applicant for a cremation. The annual proceeds of the scheme are distributed to charities providing bereavement support.
Co-Founder Jenny Harris shares what an impact the support from South-West Middlesex Crematorium and other local funders is having:
“When setting up space2grieve our aim was to be the provider of free support for all Richmond Residents who have been bereaved ‘no matter when, no matter how’.
In our second year of operation, we are really proud to report that our team of 35 highly trained volunteers supported 261 clients, including children and young people, and provided over 1,300 hours of bereavement support. 86 residents from across the borough also dropped in to our monthly Grief Café to receive a warm welcome and peer support.
At space2grieve we understand that the impact of bereavement can be wide ranging, long lasting and profound. Since the COVID-19 pandemic we are seeing more trauma, more prolonged grief, more complex grief reactions.
Our thanks goes to all the families who have consented to support this scheme, as they have helped to make a difference to many other bereaved families”
In the words of our clients:
“it is an amazing service for those that are struggling to make sense of their grief, the service is high quality, professional, safe and comfortable, it doesn’t feel forced, it just feels caring.”
“I didn’t want to come through the Grief Cafe door today, but I’m glad I did. I’m at a loss at the moment, it helped to have somewhere to come. I was greeted with a smile and such warmth.”