A new, free pop-up bereavement cafe has launched in Kenilworth to provide a "safe space for people to share their experiences".

Run by certified grief recovery specialist Tracey McAtamney, the new cafe offers support to those who have recently lost someone.

Organised by Compassionate Kenilworth, and funded by Kenilworth Lions, the group will meet at the Kenilworth Centre on the fourth Monday of every month - and there is no need to book in advance.

Group chair Pauline Hayward explained: "The last few years during the pandemic have been particularly challenging times for people who have lost loved ones and those close to them having had particularly difficult end of life experiences, restricted funerals and extreme social isolation - their pain and loss has been even more acute"

"Providing a safe space for people to share their experiences and talk is very valuable.

"We have set up the cafe to offer a friendly, informal place in the community for people to drop into and find others who may be going through similar experiences and emotions because of a bereavement."

The cafe is run by run by certified grief recovery specialist Tracey McAtamney

The first cafe was held last month and was a "great success".

Pauline added: "Compassionate Kenilworth has been 'mapping' the community to identify gaps in support offerings and activities in Kenilworth and is working with its local charity partners to try to fill some of those gaps.

"Having identified there was no bereavement support in Kenilworth they have recently started a pop-up bereavement cafe at the Kenilworth Centre in Abbey End Car Park, funded by the Lions."

Group leader Tracey McAtamney was last week announced as a 'Platinum Champion' by a Jubilee awards project launched by The Royal Voluntary Service in honour of the Queen's 70-year reign.

She was recognised for her work as the founder of Surviving Bereavement foundation, which she established in memory of her late husband Tony.

The former Coventry Carnival Queen, from Balsall Common, was left widowed with two sons at just 38, when Tony suddenly collapsed and died in his hotel room while on a golfing holiday.

The next Cafe will be held on Monday, June 27, 10.30am to 12pm