Cookstown hotel host inaugural farm bereavement support event THE ‘Life Beyond

The ‘Life Beyond’ programme, delivered by Rural Support in partnership with Embrace FARM, provides a unique combination of bereavement support, specifically tailored to the needs of the farm family.

The aim of the programme is to improve the mental, social, and physical wellbeing of farm families who have experienced loss, as well as provide support with the farming enterprise.

Services are all provided free of charge. As part of the programme, an annual celebration gathering takes place and the inaugural event is planned for Sunday, October 24 in the Glenavon Hotel, Cookstown, starting at 1.30pm. Aimed at those who have lost a loved one, recently or in the past, the event will celebrate lives passed and along with music will include ‘Stories of Lives Lived’, ‘Remembering and Honouring our Loved Ones – The Tree of Life’ and ‘Moments of Reflection and Reminiscence’.

The ‘Life Beyond Celebration’ gathering will be a way to support those who are navigating their way through grief and will provide an opportunity for attendees to interact with others who have experienced loss, to reflect and reminisce, and to honour the contributions made to the lives, land and agricultural community by loved ones who have passed away.

Rural Support chief executive, Veronica Morris, said, “When the worst happens in a farming family it is often not only about dealing with the shock, sadness and sometimes trauma that comes from losing a loved one. “It can mean trying to deal with practical issues relating to the farm business in the middle of unbearable grief.

“Also, once the initial weeks and months have passed after a death, and neighbours and extended family have had to get back to their own lives, it can be very difficult for a farming family to move forward.“This programme provides the practical and emotional support to help families to navigate their experience, both personally and farm business related, no matter how difficult that might be.”

The event is free of charge with all who have experienced loss within the farming community welcome.

Light refreshments will be served, so please RSVP to confirm your attendance to melissa@ruralsup – port.org.uk by today (Thursday).