A NEW bereavement group will launch in Ludlow to provide help, friendship and support for those dealing with the loss of a loved one.

The Good Grief Café initiative, which is free and aims to give local people a safe space to talk through their loss with those in a similar personal position, has been launched by town solicitor Janna Vigar and local funeral director, Victoria Allen.

The new group will see its first monthly meeting on Thursday, September 20 at the Mascall Centre’s Pea Green Café, with other 90-minute sessions planned in October, November and December.

Mrs Vigar, a wills and probate specialist at Corve Street-based mfg Solicitors, said that at a difficult time many people need support.

“It can be extremely bewildering when you lose a loved one but talking about it with others can help,” she said.

“What we aim to do with the Good Grief Café is to give people in and around Ludlow a relaxed environment where they can talk through how they are feeling, but also meet new people, form friendships and hopefully have some fun too.”

Jo Shield of Ludlow-based Victoria Allen Funeral Services wants as many people as possible to attend.

“It will also be a session for people to give their thoughts and ideas on how we might run the group into the future,” said Ms Shield.

“Each person’s experience when losing a loved one can be very different and therefore we think the Good Grief Café will be a brilliant way for people to talk about what they are going through”

The initiative is also being supported by The Pea Green Café, local printers, St Leonards Press and charity Hands Together.