A new regular event to support those suffering a bereavement will start in Watford this month.

Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care and The Random Café have partnered to launch the new 'Compassionate Café' in North Watford.

Located on Garsmouth Way, the café will start its operation from Thursday, February 15, 2024, and will subsequently hold gatherings on the third Thursday of each month from 10am to 11.30am.

The Compassionate Café aims to provide a comforting space for residents affected by loss and bereavement to engage in relaxed conversation over a cup of tea.

Alison May, community engagement manager at Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care, said: "We’re really looking forward to bringing this to our new site at The Random Café.

"Compassionate Cafes are very informal in structure – they're not a support group or counselling session – but people who come along tell us that they get a huge amount out of the peer support, and the chance to meet other people who understand their loss.

"Taking the first step to attend something like this can be the hardest.

"I’d encourage anybody in the area who has experienced any type of bereavement or loss to come along to the sessions and see what they can take away from them."

Volunteers will take charge of the sessions, extending a warm welcome to attendees and providing guidance to local support resources.

The atmosphere will be informal, adjusting to the requirements of the people present.

The Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care, recognised for running several Compassionate Cafés in Watford, has expanded its initiatives to North Watford.

Gaining cooperation from The Random Café, the charity ensures a commitment to sustainability and local support.

Nicky, one of the volunteers supporting the new Compassionate Café, said: "Compassionate Cafés offer a great opportunity to provide comforting company in a friendly environment to those who are trying to build up the confidence to venture out and feel a sense of inclusion after suffering a loss."

For more information, visit Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care's website, email compassion@renniegrovepeace.org, or call 01923 330 330.