Café for those grieving the loss of a loved one opens near Swindon
For many, the first bereavement café in Marlborough was too far away
Last updated 6th Mar 2025
Prospect Hospice is opening a second bereavement café closer to Swindon today.
Located at the Angel Hotel in Royal Wootton Bassett, the café will take place every first Thursday of the month from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm.
The first café was set up in Marlborough in 2023 and high demand caused the hospice to set up a second location.
Shelley Keen, spokesperson for Prospect Hospice, said: “We found at the Prospect Hospice that lots of our patients and their families were from the northern part of the county. So, we thought that having a second café in Royal Wootton Bassett would capture those people.
“This is our second bereavement café and we're really hoping this will be the second of many”.
The café is open to anyone who has experienced grief and would like to speak with or just listen to people in similar situations.
Having had a loved one at the hospice is not a requirement and the service is free of charge.
“If you have lost somebody and you feel like you need to get out the house, if you're feeling lonely, if you need someone who's in a similar position that you can speak to, then please do come along. Don't be scared.
“I know that when you go along to things, first of all, it can be quite daunting and you could feel quite vulnerable, but everyone it will be the first time for everyone. So, no need to worry about that.
“We'll welcome you with open arms – any age at all, whoever you've lost, whenever you lost anyone. It doesn't matter if it was yesterday or 10 years ago. Everybody is welcome”, stressed Shelley.
At the first bereavement café in Marlborough, some people come in regularly while others just attend a few times.
“There are two ladies that have actually met at the group that now always go for lunch afterwards as well. So, it's not about just what happens between those hours at the actual bereavement café, but there's long lasting relationships that you can find with people that have lived similar experiences to you.
“And it's just so nice to see because then you have that support network outside the cafés as well, which is really important”.
If the demand keeps rising, Prospect Hospice is hoping to open up more bereavement cafés in other parts of the county in the future as well.