The Bereavement Journey
Loss needs to be processed for our physical and mental health and wellbeing. Unresolved grief can also affect our attitudes, relationships and attainment.
The Bereavement Journey® is a 7 Session programme which assists bereaved people to process their loss. Participants do their own grief work. Each Session comprises two films followed by discussion in a small group, facilitated by volunteers, and with a break for refreshment.
Attendance is recommended for all the Sessions. It is most beneficial to attend at least a few weeks after the death - ideally after the funeral, but this is not essential and The Bereavement Journey can benefit those in anticipatory grief, also pregnancy loss.
Topics include:
Attachment, separation and loss
The pain and responses of grief
Anger and guilt
Coping with others’ reactions
Delayed and suppressed grief
Adjusting to change
Moving forward healthily
Faith is reserved for the final, 7th session on Faith Questions in Bereavement, which is optional, making the course suitable for anyone of any faith or none.
The Bereavement Journey starts on Thursday 1st October and runs for 7 weeks until Thursday 19th November, with a break on Thursday 29th October. It will be held at 23 Lansdowne Road, KT 19 9QJ from 19:30 - 21:30. The course will be free but booking is required.
Other Support
If you are looking for other forms of bereavement support and practical information, please search the bereavement signposting website AtaLoss.org.
Saying Goodbye provides comprehensive information, advice, support and much more to anyone who has suffered the loss of a baby, at any stage of pregnancy, at birth or in infancy.
Bereavement care awareness training
If you know someone who has been bereaved and would like to learn how to support them better, we recommend Bereavement Care Awareness training run by Care for the Family.
The next in person Bereavement Care Awareness training will be on Saturday 3rd October 2026 at the Church Centre. If you are part of Epsom Vineyard, please email lorna.owen@epsomvineyard.org for an Epsom Vineyard ticket, otherwise, please click on the link to book.
You’ll come away with:
A better knowledge of how bereavement affects people in different ways.
An understanding of the grieving process.
Ideas for the practical and emotional support you can offer someone in the weeks and months after the funeral.
Practical skills to carry out supportive listening, a key tool in bereavement support.
Advice and tips on ways your church can support bereaved people in your community.
You can also book an online course here: Bereavement Care Awareness.
If you are a member of Epsom Vineyard, we may be able to support you with the costs of online training. Email lorna.owen@epsomvineyard.org for more information.