Bereavement Support: Vera’s Story
When Vera Skellett’s husband Eric died from cancer, she felt lost
until a member of the St Giles team encouraged her to visit her
local Bereavement Help Point. The couple had been married for
25 years after meeting on a blind date and they hit it off on day
one. Vera said:
“Eric was the most loving and
caring man you could meet and was
marvellous with my three daughters.
We had so many happy memories
together and I was so lucky to have
him in my life. When he died it left
a huge hole and I really didn’t know
what I was going to do.”
Eric spent his last few weeks at St Giles. During this time the
team suggested to Vera that she might like to go along to the
Lichfield Bereavement Help Point, which is open to anyone to
drop in.
“It was really hard at first but the difficult part wasn’t walking
into the room, it was leaving at the end because I felt so safe and
supported at the Help Point. When I left I had to go back into the
big world and back into this big bubble of grief. I honestly don’t
know what I would have done without the group and I can’t praise
them enough, they are just so kind and caring.”
Nearly three years on, Vera is now an active member of
the group, organising get-togethers and meals out and
continuing to benefit from the support that the help provides
to the community.
“We joke that the group is like a
magnet because we are all drawn
together and we can sit and laugh
or cry together – we could be the
happiest sad people in the world.”
“It’s been a brilliant support for me and now when a new person
comes in, I offer them a cup of tea and a warm welcome.”
With the support of wonderful volunteers like Vera,
Bereavement Help Points can be found in eight towns across
the St Giles catchment area and are open to anyone who is
grieving. The Help Points are there for as long as you need
them, whether it’s for just a couple of sessions or on a longer-
term basis. Trained volunteers are on hand to welcome and
support people with advice, information and signposting or just
a listening ear. Find out more at www.stgileshospice.com/
bereavement-help-points or call 01543 432031.
”I honestly don’t know what
I would have done without
the group and I can’t praise
them enough, they are just
so kind and caring.”
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