Group walks the lonely path of grief together

The Bereavement Peer Support Group, an initiative through Echuca Regional Health’s Community Palliative Care Services, allows community members grieving the loss of a loved one to confide in one another.

Those who are up to the walk meet at the group therapy room at Percy St before taking a gentle stroll around the block. They return to the building for delicious morning tea, chatting about anything and everything along the way.

One participant said conversation could be as simple as the weather, or as personal as recalling a memory of their loved one.

The group’s success is a testament to the vision of long-serving ERH nurse Pam Teh, who worked with the palliative care team in supporting the community through grief and loss.

She was instrumental in the early days of the group, and even past her retirement.

Some members of the group have been coming for years, while others are just beginning their journey after the death of their loved ones.

Denise Inwood, one of the support staff who help co-ordinate the meetings, said it was started with the intention of getting those who were grieving out of the house and talking about their lives in a supportive, low-stress environment.

“When you go out and you walk and have other people around, it’s easier to talk. You’re not sitting face-to-face, there is no confrontational feeling,” Ms Inwood said.

“It’s about the relaxed feeling of meeting people that are in the same position that you are and have been through it.”

Ms Inwood said the support extended outside the walls of the meeting room, with many regular members having formed a friendship through attending.

“This group has made a lot of friendships and arrange their own going out to lunches,” she said.

“They all really support each other, which is why a peer support group like this works.”

Those interested in joining or wanting more information can phone ERH Palliative Care on 5485 5902.