Finding Your Way Through Grief: A Support Group in the Heart of Mid Devon
Grief is one of the most deeply personal experiences any of us can go through, and yet so often it is something we carry alone, quietly, and often without knowing where to turn. When Colin Barnard MBACP, of Clear View Counselling offered to write a guest blog about his services, we were keen to share it here because we feel that what he has created is something genuinely special: a place of warmth, structure and safety for anyone navigating loss, at whatever stage of their journey.
We will let Colin describe it in his own words:
“We are a small and very warm group for those who have experienced bereavement in any form. You may have had a recent bereavement or one that happened some years ago: either way, your presence will be welcome.
A little about what to expect
As a trained counsellor, I lead the group and it is structured in the same way each meeting. We begin by checking-in about how we are on the day and what’s been going on for us since the last meeting. We then have a few minutes for a grounding activity just to relax us into the session: this might include some breathing exercises or something similar. Following that, I usually give a short presentation on an area of grief or bereavement research or counselling theory before we begin the open group talk to attend to whatever is on the minds of those attending. This might include some sharing of feelings, emotions and every-day experiences of grief. The important thing is that you can take part at your own pace and in safety: no one is ever made to share anything and silent listening as a form of participation is absolutely fine, if that is what you need.
The group is very focused on the needs of its members, considering both their individual physical and emotional needs, which we frequently reflect upon. The content of the sessions is also partially steered by the group, and we strive to include a focus on any area in which the group would like more knowledge or have further space to talk through.
Much of each session is given over to talking, but we also use poetry to reflect on grief and complete a variety of different activities including journaling, drawing, and other creative practice. Again, there is never a compulsion to join-in with anything that a person does not wish to do and there is a great deal of encouragement to work in your own way. Just as every person’s grief, feelings and emotions is utterly personal, there is an invitation to make your group experience individual to you to.
There are usually between 5 and 9 members at any given session, and attendees are of all genders, backgrounds and ages. One thing you can be sure of is a very kind greeting, a group where you will be truly listened to and a safe space where you can be honest about your grief experience without judgement.
Where you will find us
The group meets at Liznojan Bookshop (Gold Street, Tiverton) in a private room at the back of the shop twice per month on Saturdays at 10:15-11:30am. The cost is £10 per session, payable on the day (there are no facilities for card readers, so cash or cheque are the payment options).
For more information, meeting dates and to book your place in the group, please telephone me (Colin Barnard) on: 01884 252406 or e-mail cvcdevon@gmail.com“.
If you think this group might be right for you, or for someone you know, please do reach out to Colin directly using the contact details above. There is never a perfect moment to seek support, and there is no particular way grief is supposed to look. Whether your loss is recent or stretches back years, Colin and the group offer a genuinely kind and unhurried space to be heard.
