New Group in Ashbourne Helps People Cope with Grief

A bereavement support group will expand into Ashbourne in September – holding monthly meetings to help people who have lost a loved one.

Derby Dandelions was set up in October 2014 by family-owned funeral directors G Wathall & Son Ltd who have offices in Ashbourne, Derby, Borrowash and Alvaston.

There are already many members who attend the twice-monthly meetings in Derby city centre.

The first Ashbourne Dandelions group will meet at Cornerstone Café in Church Street on Wednesday September 6 between 1.30pm and 3pm and then on the first Wednesday of the month.

The Derby and Ashbourne groups are free to attend and open to everyone - regardless of whether they are clients of Wathall’s or not.

The funeral directors were recognised for their work to support local people in the Derby Telegraph Business Awards 2017 – winning the Contribution to the Community Award.

Helen Wathall, Managing Director of G Wathall & Son and the fifth generation of the family to run the independent firm of funeral directors, concluded: “We have had a lot of feedback from GPs and ministers, for example, in the Ashbourne area who recognise the value of the bereavement support group and have requested a Dandelions group in the town.

“There is therefore a recognised need in the local community and we are committed to providing support, guidance and friendship along the grief journey with a free and inclusive service that provides the time and space for people to grieve.”

Angela Thompson is Bereavement Services Co-ordinator at G Wathall & Son and will run the new group in Ashbourne.

She said: “Derby Dandelions provides a social environment for anyone who has experienced a bereavement. This enables people to meet and chat in a safe and friendly place where there are other people affected by grief.

“For members of the group, bereavement can be both isolating and lonely - we are here to provide a safe place to share their grief and encourage new friendships, whilst providing support from trained facilitators.”

For more information about Derby Dandelions and the new Ashbourne group, please visit www.wathalls.co.uk or call 01332 345268.