Grief support group offering 'essential services'

A grief-support service has renewed its appeal for donations, with just 20 days left to secure council backing.

Shropshire Grief Tending, a community interest company that supports people experiencing bereavement, miscarriage and other forms of loss, warns it could close if it is unable to raise a further £3,000.

Founder Merryn Tenalach has been funding services herself over the last thee years and is trying to unlock financial backing from the council by raising a total of £9,400.

"If we fall short the council support is withdrawn entirely," said Ms Tenalach.

She said she had been offering support around the county by holding grief cafes, which started off at Shrewsbury Library.

"I walked in saw this amazing art exhibition all about grief. I chatted to the manager and said lets expand this," the therapist said.

"It ran really well for two-and-a-half years but people around wider areas said they wanted it in their areas too.

"I've been working as a therapist with grief for 14 years and up until very recently I have self-funded all of this project," she said.

The council funding could be worth £4,000, she explained.

"As many will empathise with, times are not conducive to that any more so I need to take a step back."

This is her first attempt at getting funding from another source, and it will allow them to expand into other towns and rural areas as well as offer specialist support.

"We offer informal space for people to arrive, have a cup of tea of coffee and be amongst people who are grieving," she said.

"We meeting people for walks and listen to their stories, we offer companionships at peoples homes. It's a really essential service."

She currently runs schemes at Wem Town Hall, Shrewsbury Town Hall, Ludlow Library and Leegomery Community Centre.

"This is not simply about fundraising," she added.

"It is about ensuring that grief support remains available in our community at a time when mental health services are overstretched and many people are struggling quietly."

Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.