5 Development of living well after bereavement groups

<h3>Background or Introduction</h3> Our aim was to devise a structured programme that would offer sustainable, effective, and psychologically safe peer support and improve outcomes for bereaved people whilst ensuring efficient use of our limited bereavement resources. This programme was designed with a focus on Ambition 6 – every community is prepared to care, acknowledging that bereaved people are often disconnected form their existing support networks. <h3>Method(s)</h3> We created a four-week course for 8 – 10 participants providing them a safe therapeutic space to explore ‘who am I now?’ after the death of their loved one. They offer support and understanding to each other whilst exploring a way forward through creative spirituality and discussion facilitated by the supportive care team members. After their four weeks, the group meet for a monthly reunion session for a period of four months and are encouraged to meet outside the group strengthening their peer support network. <h3>Results</h3> Numerical scale was used with Wellbeing scores (1–5) are taken pre and post session. Average wellbeing scores improved for the whole group in 100% of cases after each session. Collateral benefits include support and friendship amongst participants. They continue to meet regularly after the group has ended and have tried new activities; reconnected with old hobbies; gone on daytrips; raised money for Compton by doing fundraisers together and created a network of hope and support for each other. <h3>Conclusion(s)</h3> We have so far led 6 groups, and 49 participants have attended the full programme. This has been a successful project which enables Compton to support bereaved relatives in a sustainable way. We will continue to develop the course in conjunction with attendees, expanding the offer of group support to clients explore outcome measures to provide richer data to demonstrate impact.