"Victoria’s support to the family is spot on, and makes a difficult time more bearable"
J's family
May 2021
Local Support & Activity Groups
victoria the funeral celebrant
For so many, it is the time after a funeral which is the most difficult, as they adjust to a new life alongside their loss. Once family members head back home, sometimes many miles away, and friends settle back into their usual routines, it can be an incredibly lonely and challenging time.
So I thought it would be helpful to gather some of the local activity and support groups, to show a few of the activities which are available in the area.
You would like to find out about more specialised bereavement support here.
Disclaimer – I provide this information AS IS and for informational purposes only. I do not endorse or personally recommend any of the groups listed below, am not responsible for the information at the end of any links, and am not responsible for their actions or any losses or injury which may arise from taking part in their activities. The responsibility lies with you to check the group and activity is suitable for your needs. (Can’t believe I have to write this when I’m just trying to do a nice thing, but there we go!)
Bishop's Stortford
With events running regularly across the UK, you are sure to find one close to you!
The closest to us are in Bishop’s Stortford (Castle Park), Great Dunmow and Harlow.
There are also Junior Parkruns in Bishop’s Stortford and Harlow.
An informal contemporary choir group with venues across Herts, Essex, and Bucks. Our local groups are in Bishop’s Stortford and Saffron Walden.
A registered charity supporting people and families following a cancer diagnosis
Women’s walking group in Bishop’s Stortford, meeting on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month
Free and friendly walks around Bishop’s Stortford
A hub of activities from Knit and Natter, a weekly coffee morning, U3A – University of the 3rd Age, and a compassionate cafe run by Isabel Hospice, all in the centre of town.
A monthly meeting where new ideas can be discussed and potentially developed into reality!
The amazing people at charity Kissing it Better, in partnership with Coopers of Stortford, have helped compile a calendar and booklet which details many of the different activities available in the Bishop’s Stortford area, including from several of the places listed above.
Updated at the start of each month, you can currently pick up hard copies of the monthly calendar and booklet from the library, the Bishop’s Stortford Independent office, Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre and the Tourist Information Centre.
They have specifically chosen to print hard copies to make it accessible, as not everyone of an older generation is down with the internet, and the A3 calendar can be stuck to the front of the fridge.
You can click the links below to see examples of the July calendar and accompanying booklet.
Running a whole hots of different classes and sessions including those targeted to the over 50s, which are generally quieter and may suit those living with long term health conditions, dementia, and neurodivergence.
Stansted
A group which supports the local community and surrounding areas with a focus on wellbeing.
They also organise regular walks with the Muddy Walkers group, have an Open Water Swimming Community, and are launching The Veg Shed in partnership with Mens Shed.
A community wellbeing project in Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex with a welcoming community café and garden. As a community hub, people are also able to access help and support from their partner organisations, join clubs and interest groups, and share their skills with others. They also run a Community Food Share project at four different local locations, helping to reduce the amount of food going to waste.
Organising a host of activities for women of all ages. Children are welcome too, so childcare isn’t an issue.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082802512448
Harlow
With events running regularly across the UK, you are sure to find one close to you!
The closest to us are in Bishop’s Stortford (Castle Park), Great Dunmow and Harlow.
There are also Junior Parkruns in Bishop’s Stortford and Harlow.
A whole host of different activities for all the family, from Nordic Walking, woodland crafts at Parndon Wood Nature Reserve, and Tai Chi.
A space to meet, chat, connect, or just be! In Sawbridgeworth and Harlow
Based in Harlow, with walks throughout the Herts and Essex Countryside
Sawbridgeworth
A space to meet, chat, connect, or just be! In Sawbridgeworth and Harlow
A wellbeing community based in Sawbridgeworth with their own radio station TLC Radio!
A meeting place for the over 55s, with a huge range of activities such a yoga, bingo, quizzes, days out, cinema, and so much more!
Saffron Walden
Nordic Walking group covering Hertfordshire, Essex and Cambridgeshire.
An informal contemporary choir group with venues across Herts, Essex, and Bucks. Our local groups are in Bishop’s Stortford and Saffron Walden.
Chatter & Natter tables hosted by friendly volunteers, where customers can sit with a cuppa and have a good natter with other customers if they wish.
Uttlesford Community Action Network (previously known as the Council for Voluntary Service Uttlesford – or CVSU) aim to support communities to thrive, and to improve the quality of life of people in Uttlesford.
The help organise singing groups, talks, lunches, and arts and crafts events at their Jubilee Hub.
Jubilee Hub
Dunmow
With events running regularly across the UK, you are sure to find one close to you!
The closest to us are in Bishop’s Stortford (Castle Park), Great Dunmow and Harlow.
There are also Junior Parkruns in Bishop’s Stortford and Harlow.
Old Park Meadow holds a weekly coffee morning every Wednesday from 10am to 12pm for absolutely anyone.
There is also a weekly gardening group on Wednesdays from 9am to 12pm (no experience or green fingers necessary!).
