Church volunteers in Cramlington are playing their part in supporting those in need in their local community.
Friendship In Grief provides a warm and welcoming environment for those who have suffered a bereavement and need support in coming to terms with grief. The initiative is based at the Hope Centre, which is a social ministry hub of St Nicholas’ Church. It takes place every Tuesday afternoon and is run by church volunteers Grace Hutchins, Jacqui Wyness and Val Wootton.
The volunteers have all experienced loss at different times in their lives. They been involved with other bereavement groups and have relevant skills.
“We are here to support anyone who needs this service,” said Grace. “Grief affects people in different ways. We have people who want to talk about their loss and we have people who want to spend time with others who have also experienced bereavement.
“It’s a place to talk and to listen but also a place to socialise and to have some quiet time if needed. We are here to support that in a pleasant environment with a cup of tea or coffee.”
Jacqui said: “There are a range of people who come to us and their circumstances vary. It’s hard for young people when they lose parents and siblings and for people of any age when they lose a partner.
“We provide a safe space and want people to feel cared for. They can come here and talk to us in confidence. It is non-judgemental and is open to people of all faiths and none.
“We are a community and it’s not all doom and gloom. People talk about their holidays and other things. They support each other and quite often become friends.”
The Hope Centre provides a base for Cramlington Parish to provide for the community and to plant the seeds of faith.
It also hosts the Cramlington Food Bank, which is part of the national Trussel Trust network of food banks. It has 43 local volunteers and relies on contributions from members of the public and businesses. It also works closely with local supermarkets, which give generously and act as donation points.
One volunteer, Tom, said: “I started coming here after I lost my wife. It has been a big help for me to be part of this community but we have a huge desire to help people, who in many cases are one pay cheque from poverty. Cramlington is a very giving place and everyone is so generous in supporting people in real need.”
A volunteer-led uniform bank is also based at the Hope Centre. Through generous donations, pre-loved school uniforms and other items, including coats, shoes, socks and underwear, are washed, recycled and made available for all parents who need them for their children.
The Hope Centre’s Lorraine Alexander, who is also Parish Safeguarding Officer at St Nicholas’ Church, said: “Our volunteers enable the Hope Centre to function and to offer these absolutely vital services for the community. They are incredibly dedicated to their work and make a difference to the lives of so many people. We are eternally thankful for all they do.”
For more information visit: www.cramlingtoncofe.org/hope-centre