On Thursday 24 January, a new group providing support for local people coming to terms with the loss of a loved one, launched in Oxted.

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, between 1pm and 3pm, people from Tandridge and surrounding areas (including Caterham) are invited to drop in to Oxted United Reformed Church to meet other people in a similar situation to chat and share experiences over tea and coffee. This non-religious group, which is free to attend, aims to offer people ways to help cope following bereavement.

The sessions are run by staff and volunteers of St Catherine's Hospice, Oxted United Reformed Church, St Mary's Church (Church of England) and All Saint's Church (Roman Catholic) - all of whom have been trained by the specialist staff at St Catherine's. The hospice is also providing on-going support to the volunteer organisers.

Karen Norman, Patient & Family Support Team Manager at St Catherine's Hospice, says: "We already help family, friends and loved ones of patients who have died whilst under the care of the hospice but this project enables us to widen our support throughout the community. We also hope to encourage people who are perhaps finding it difficult to socialise following their bereavement, to do so within a safe environment."

For further information please contact Annette Phillips at St Catherine's Hospice on 01293 447343. Or simply drop in to the group.