The Bereavement Cafe CIC

09/11/2025

Ahead of tomorrows session, a little friendly reminder 💚

Brookfield Hall doors won’t be unlocked until 10.20.

Our sessions begin at 10:30am, and the spaces we use won't be open or set up before 10:20am. We often have meetings and catch-ups beforehand, so please don’t arrive too early, as we may not be ready to welcome you just yet.

Just before the session begins our helpful team will be on hand to go through sign in procedure and take your orders for a hot drink, keeping to this order helps us keep things running smoothly and ensures everyone feels looked after.

Thank you so much for your kindness and understanding as we continue to grow.

For the next dates, please check our website www.thebereavementcafe.co.uk

08/11/2025

Here are the dates for the Pickleball sessions hosted by The Bereavement Cafe and Bolton Arena.

Just to answer a few FAQ’s

You don’t need to have attended the Bereavement Cafe before

You do need to be Bereaved, these sessions are attended for anyone who wants to find new ways to support themselves, learn more about us, meet others who are experiencing similar feelings and emotions, join a new group, move more, learn a new skill / hobby

The sessions are free and include refreshments “courtside”.

You can come along and spectate

You can come to them all

You don’t need to be sporty

Please DM us if you would like to add on, or email sharoncrook@thebereavementcafe.co.uk

06/11/2025

Kicking off this amazing partnership with Bolton Arena in style! Pickleball!
Want to join us and hear more about our plans to help people struggling with grief gain help and support by taking part in gentle, accessible sport.. please dm or email sharoncrook@thebereavementcafe.co.uk
Bolton CVS

03/11/2025

Join us for a chat – National Grief Awareness Week

We’re holding an informal Teams chat on Wednesday 12th November, 1.30pm–2.30pm to share ideas on how you can get involved.Grief affects us all, yet so many people still struggle in silence.

National Grief Awareness Week (2–8 December) is about breaking that silence, showing care, and helping others feel seen, heard and understood.

Do you want to ?
Do you wish you could offer more support to those around you?
Do you want to help make a difference in your workplace or community?

Then come along. This is a relaxed space to talk, connect and plan small but powerful ways to raise awareness and support others.

You could:
☕ Host a coffee morning or bake sale
🎄 Create a memory tree for messages to loved ones
💬 Hold a wellbeing or reflection session using our Let’s Talk About Grief cards
🎁 Signpost people to our Winter Wellbeing Day for Bolton residents

Talking more about grief helps prevent isolation, misunderstanding and the loneliness that so many carry quietly. Together, we can change that.

We also have promotional packs available which include posters and a pack of our Grief Conversation Cards for sale, with all proceeds supporting The Bereavement Café.

👉 Message to book your space and we’ll send you the Teams link.

Let’s make this National Grief Awareness Week one that truly gets people talking.

02/11/2025

Thanks to Bolton CVS, We’re really proud to be partnering with Bolton Arena to offer something a little different, a chance to move, connect and feel good, all in one space.

Our first session is a taster of Pickleball!

Exercise isn’t just about fitness, it’s about feeling better emotionally too. Moving your body can help release tension, boost your mood, and give you that lift you might not have realised you needed. Whether you want to have a go, learn a new skill, or just get out of the house and meet others, this is a great place to start.

All levels and abilities are welcome. Come for a taster session, stay for a chat, play for 10 minutes or 2 hours, the choice is yours.

Come along, see what it’s all about, and leave feeling that bit lighter

DM or email sharoncrook@thebereavementcafe.co.uk to reserve your space

10am-12pm Bolton Arena
Thursday 6th November

01/11/2025

💚 A Busy Month, A Full Heart 💚

October has been one of our busiest months ever. Our groups are growing week by week, and we’ve proudly trained Six new Bereavement Café Facilitators, with more volunteers now joining the team.

When I first imagined what The Bereavement Café could be, I knew it was needed, but I never imagined the depth of comfort and connection it would bring. Every person who walks through our doors reminds me exactly why this work matters.

This time of year can feel heavier for many. The shorter days, the darker evenings, and the quiet can make loneliness feel louder. If you know someone who might be struggling, reach out. A simple text, a call, or a coffee plan can make more difference than you’ll ever know.

November is a tender month for me with my wedding anniversary, so I’m taking things slower, making space for rest and reflection.

What’s coming up:
We’ll be trialling Online Evening Bereavement Cafés soon, open to anyone, anywhere. Keep an eye out for dates and booking links.

Have you booked your tickets for our Winter Wellbeing Day yet? Come along and join us for a day of connection, calm and support, with lots of opportunities to join in with craft and wellbeing sessions throughout the day, listen to panel talks by professionals on wellbeing, keeping safe, finances. Come along for one hour or all day.
Please book here;
https://www.trybooking.com/uk/FHTB

Thank you to everyone who continues to show up, support, and believe in what we do. You’re helping us reach more people who need a safe space to be heard. 💚

31/10/2025

Yesterday was something really special.
We welcomed four new fully certified Bereavement Café Facilitators who will each now go on to open and lead their own cafés within their local communities.

This wasn’t a light introduction. It was a full day of in-depth training where each participant left with a deeper understanding of grief, the confidence to hold space for others, and the skills needed to run a successful Bereavement Café.

They learned what it takes to create a safe environment, how to guide sensitive discussions, support emotional moments, and manage the flow of a session while keeping everyone comfortable and heard.

This isn’t a quick or easy role to take on. It takes empathy, courage, and a calm strength to sit with people in their pain. But it’s also one of the most rewarding things you can ever do.

We’ve seen hundreds of people come through our doors who say they leave feeling lighter, calmer, and more understood. Some even say they enjoyed the session, which always makes us smile. Knowing someone has felt safe enough to open up and share what’s really going on is what this is all about.

If you’re someone who wants to make a difference, to bring people together, and to help those who feel alone in their grief, then this could be for you.

💚 Our next Bereavement Café Facilitator Training is now open.
You’ll learn everything you need to create your own safe, welcoming space for those who need it most.

If you’d like a chat about what’s involved, send us a message or book your place here;

Would you like to host your own Bereavement Café? We’ve created an official training and certification programme due to growing demand. As an...

26/10/2025

A little friendly reminder 💚

As our Bereavement Café sessions are getting busier, we just wanted to share a gentle reminder to our lovely attendees.

Our sessions begin at 10:30am, and the spaces we use won't be open or set up before 10:20am. We often have meetings and catch-ups beforehand, so please don’t arrive too early, as we may not be ready to welcome you just yet.

Just before the session begins our helpful team will be on hand to go through sign in procedure and take your orders for a hot drink, keeping to this order helps us keep things running smoothly and ensures everyone feels looked after.

Thank you so much for your kindness and understanding as we continue to grow.

For the next dates, please check our website www.thebereavementcafe.co.uk

22/10/2025

Winter Wellbeing Day -Hosted by The Bereavement Café

During National Grief Awareness Week, we’re bringing together a wonderful mix of local services, activities and workshops for a day focused on connection, wellbeing and community.

Come for the day or just drop in for an hour, everyone is welcome.

🎟 Tickets £5
Includes entry, a warm drink and biscuits or a pastry.

💚 Enjoy creative and calming taster sessions including:

Painting, origami, sewing

Journalling

Reiki, mindfulness, Sound Bath

Cooking demonstrations (with tasters!)

Festive crafts and activities

A small donation may be requested at some craft stations to cover materials.

We’ll also host an open panel discussion on financial wellbeing and self-care over the winter months, plus there will be local services from across the borough sharing information and support.

A day of connection, creativity and care

Refreshments will be available to purchase throughout the day

Please follow the link below to book your ticket;
https://www.trybooking.com/uk/FHTB