Acorns is a unique group-based bereavement support service which was launched earlier this year in Edinburgh. Tom Gordon, an experienced practitioner in bereavement issues and a former chaplain at Edinburgh's Marie Curie Hospice, leads the service.

 

Practical help and group support is provided to help those affected by bereavement deal with day-to-day issues. By hearing the stories of others going through the same experiences and being offered guidance from experienced practitioners, the new service offers a unique avenue for support.

 

Tony McLaren, Breathing Space National Coordinator explained 'Acorns is a unique service in that it works to normalise feelings of bereavement by allowing people to share their feelings in a group environment. Although it can be hard, its always better to talk openly about difficult issues and this is a great initiative to help people get through a difficult period in their lives. Breathing Space welcomes this service which meets a gap in the provision of bereavement support.'

 

The support programme is open to all and covers topics including feelings, cooking for one, money, health, socialising and the future. Discussions take place over a six week period through a series of 90 minute sessions.