This is an integral part of the Care Ministry which was identified as a need resulting from a number of church members who have been faced with loosing loved ones and needed support & counseling during this time. The group is comprised of church members with an interest in this area of care. These members have undergone a period of training to prepare them for this role. The main focus has been on education & counseling on the many facets of bereavement.
Aim:
To minister to the dying and the bereaved that need comfort, care and support through empathetic listening, love and practical acts of care.
Objectives.
To identify and make contact with those persons in our community whose loved ones are dying or has died.
To visit and offer compassionate care & support to family members, friends and acquaintances
To walk alongside the persons suffering the pain of grief and loss
To facilitate the process in preparing for the funeral service & internment where necessary
To follow up and provide appropriate support to the bereaved families as long as needed.
Group Meetings are held as part of the Care Ministry meetings on a quarterly basis
Group Activities
Educational sessions on the many aspects of Bereavement are provided for church members as well those in the wider community who request this information.
Assisting relatives in caring for themselves and the dying person
Bereavement Counselling to persons as the need arises
Providing information to the bereaved on the services offered at St. Thomas.
Communicating with the bereaved families to offer any assistance needed.
Attending funerals to give support to the bereaved families
Providing follow up care to the bereaved as appropriate.
Thelma Henry-22/04/2014
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