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Supporting you

We help people in north east Essex face incurable illness and bereavement, supporting them, their families, friends and carers.

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Supporting us

Only 20 percent of our funding comes from the NHS, the rest is raised from the generosity and support of people like you.

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A warm, welcoming space to talk, listen and feel understood

Grief can feel overwhelming - and it can often feel lonely too. St Helena's Community Bereavement Cafés offer a gentle, relaxed space where anyone who has been bereaved can come together for a cuppa, a chat, or simply the comfort of being with others who understand. You’re welcome to share as much or as little as feels right for you.

Each month, our trained staff and volunteers are on hand to offer compassionate listening, reassurance and support. Whether your loss is recent or many years ago, you are warmly invited to join us. Sometimes the simple act of being alongside people who ‘get it’ can make the biggest difference.

Seated Counselling Staff
Find a Bereavement Café near you

Who can come?
The café is free to attend and open to anyone in the local community who has experienced a bereavement, regardless of when their loss occurred or whether they have been supported by St Helena before.

You’re welcome just as you are - whether you’d like to talk, listen, reflect quietly or enjoy understanding conversation and company.

 

Please note that booking is not necessary – feel free to drop in on the day. If you’re not sure whether the cafés are right for you, please do get in touch - we’re happy to talk through what to expect.

By phone: 01206 984274 
By email: ces-coordinators@sthelena.org.uk

Find a Bereavement Café

Colchester - Highwoods:

Every 3rd Wednesday of the month - 10:30am to 12:00pm

St Helena Hospice, The Lounge, Joan Tomkins Centre, Myland Hall, Barncroft Close, Highwoods, Colchester 
CO4 9JU

West Bergholt:

Every 4th Tuesday of the month - 2:00pm to 3:30pm

St Marys Church Hall, West Bergholt
CO6 3JZ

Frequently asked questions

Can I refer someone else?
Yes. If you know someone who might benefit from coming along, please feel free to share this information.
Do I need to book?
No, you are able to just turn up on the day.
Do I need to have been supported by St Helena to come?
No - the café is open to anyone in our community who has been bereaved. You’re very welcome whether or not you have any previous connection with St Helena.
Does it cost anything?
No, the café is free to attend.
Is this counselling?
The café is an informal, supportive space rather than a structured counselling session. It offers gentle conversation, peer connection and a listening ear. If you feel you might benefit from more structured support, we can help guide you to the right services.
What happens at the café?
People come together over a hot drink for friendly conversation and mutual support. You’re welcome to talk about your experiences, listen to others, or simply sit quietly in the company of people who understand. There is no pressure to share anything you don’t want to.
What if I’m nervous about attending?
That’s completely understandable. Many people feel unsure the first time they come. You’re welcome to give us a call beforehand - we can talk through what to expect or arrange for someone to greet you when you arrive.
Who runs the café?
The café is facilitated by trained staff and volunteers from St Helena who offer support, guidance and a compassionate presence.

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Processing fees

When you make a donation to St Helena Hospice, we are charged transactional fees by other companies, including fees for processing payments made to us, looking up addresses and validating bank account details.

We are very grateful to our donors who offer to offset some of these fees with a minor addition to their total amount. This is however completely optional and we are very grateful for your support whether or not you choose to contribute to processing fees.

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About Gift Aid

We are able to claim an extra 25p on every £1 on your donation amount for no extra cost to you, as long as you are a UK tax payer; have paid enough income tax or capital gains tax in that tax year; and are donating your own money. If you pay less income tax and/or capital gains tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all of your donations in that tax year it is your responsibility to pay any difference. For more information about Gift Aid, please visit https://www.gov.uk/donating-to-charity/gift-aid
 

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