Supporting people who have been bereaved

For the last four months, Age UK Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have been providing support for people who have been bereaved by sharing a monthly lunch in the warm and welcoming setting of Beech Lawn Nursing Home.

This service is called ‘Nevra Digoweth’, meaning ‘Never Alone’ in Cornish, and the group is open to residents and non-residents alike. The relaxed, open nature of having a chat whilst sharing a meal has proved very valuable to those who regularly attend. One group member described it as an "outlet for their emotions", somewhere you can talk openly about bereavement and any other topics that come up, without fear of judgment or upsetting those you love.

Having just held the last meeting of 2018 where we shared mince pies and Christmas cards, the group are looking forward and making plans for the New Year.

“Experiencing the group and seeing first-hand the benefit it can provide; we are keen to keep it going.” Emily Taylor (Service Consultant at Age UK CIoS), “We will always welcome new people as it is really the participants who make the group and benefit most from sharing experiences.”

In the New Year, there are plans afoot to help increase the accessibility of the group by, utilising different venues in the Liskeard area and supporting people with transport. Details of where the next group will be held can be found by calling the Age UK Cornwall Helpline on 01872 266383

“Following a bereavement, often the last thing someone feels they want is to go out and meet new people,” says Emily, “But we can see it is often a great relief to realise that, when it comes to bereavement, you are not alone.”

More about Nevra Digoweth:

This is a group for people who meet once a month for good food and good company. Though, as a group, we are connected by each having an individual experience of bereavement, when we meet there is no obligation or expectation of what we might talk about.

Our aim is simply to be a pleasant and enjoyable place to come and know that, even in those times when you need to be away from others, you need never be alone.