Pontefract bereavement support group reopens after being forced to close after just one session

A bereavement group has reopened in Pontefract, months after it was forced to close after just one session.
Mel and her Mum, Sue, outside the Ian Oates RoomMel and her Mum, Sue, outside the Ian Oates Room
Mel and her Mum, Sue, outside the Ian Oates Room

In March, Mel Oates set up a support group at Pontefract Conservative Club to help people cope with the grief that comes with losing loved ones.

The group is held on the first Wednesday of every month at 7pm, in the ‘Ian Oates Room’ - named after Mel’s late father.

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The first session was held on Wednesday, March 4, but Mel and her Mother, Sue, were devastated to have to postpone the next few sessions, due to the Covid 19 lockdown rules.

Mel and her late Dad, IanMel and her late Dad, Ian
Mel and her late Dad, Ian

Mel said: “It was tough at first when we had to close, our first session was a huge success and we were looking forward to helping a lot of people.

“Lockdown was hard on everyone, we felt that we couldn't really see each other, we can talk to people over the phone but it’s just not the same.

“We are just so glad to be back up and running now, hopefully we can get some new people in who need our help and take it from there.

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“What we’ve achieved so far as a group is amazing, I’ve had so many people thanking us for setting up this group, there should be a support group like this accessible to everyone.”

The group had their first session back on Wednesday August 5.

At the sessions, group attendees can share stories, thoughts and feelings of their loved ones passed and listen to those of others, over tea, coffee and refreshments.

People of all ages are welcome to attend if they need support and encouragement.

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Mel said: “If these sessions help even one person, then in my eyes, they’re a huge success.

“Everyone here is in the same boat; it’s a club that you don't want to be in but when you’re in it, you’ll get support from people that can sympathise with what you’re going through.

“We’ve been getting some amazing feedback, and I’m so pleased that people are turning up.

“This group is what Pontefract needed, everywhere should have something like this because there’s very little support out there available.”

To find out more about the group, see their Facebook page: Pontefract Bereavement Support