Bereavement support serving the parish of Corpus Christi, including St Justus, Paddock Wood and St Peter’s, Hadlow.
The Lifeboat provides a safe space to share what's challenging, as well as finding some joy and hope in making plans for the future. Losing someone we love is one of the most difficult experiences any of us will face. Grief can feel overwhelming, isolating, and confusing. The Lifeboat was founded in 2019 by parishioners who recognised the need for ongoing support within our community. The name reflects our hope that, like a lifeboat, the support we offer can be a place of safety and rescue during the storms of grief. The support is available to anyone in the parish or wider community who has experienced bereavement, regardless of how recent or how long ago the loss occurred.
The Lifeboat is run by Sheila and Isabelle. Sheila has worked for more than 20 years in therapeutic counselling for individuals and groups and brings to the team a great wealth of experience. Isabelle is trained as a volunteer bereavement supporter with many years experience of 1:1 help
We now offer two forms of support. How can we help you?
(NB, we no longer hold monthly drop-in group sessions but could do so again if there is call for this.)
1:1 Support
We now offer friendly and supportive 1:1 either face-to- face or by phone. If you feel it would help to talk about what you are feeling in a private and confidential space, you can call to arrange a chat with us. You are the only person who knows what your grief feels like, and talking about it can often help to lessen the intensity of these feelings. This is not professional counselling, but friendly and supportive listening. (If appropriate, we may suggest other professional support that is available locally.)
Workshops
In 2026, we will be offering one-off workshops in which we will focus on various ways of coping with bereavement. Come along for coffee and social time as we gently explore ways to live with our loss and learn coping strategies.
Our next Workshop will be in June, and will focus on Holding on, letting go: Come and look at ways of enabling a continuing relationship with your dearly departed whilst also building a future for yourself. We miss those who have died, but they are still very much part of our lives. This workshop will be about balancing the past, present and future.
Useful information
The workshops all take place at St Peter’s, Hadlow. The meeting room here is warm and comfortable, large enough for a group of 10-12, small enough to be welcoming and friendly, and for us all to easily hear each other. There is plenty of parking on site, newly refurbished toilets, and a kitchen for refreshments.
When we meet as a group, there is no pressure to speak — some people find comfort simply in being present with others who understand a little of what they are going through. Others find it helpful to share their stories as well as listening to the experiences of fellow members. Each workshop follows a gentle format. We begin with a cup of tea and a chance to catch up informally. There is usually a short reflection or reading, followed by open conversation. The workshops are always loosely structured around a theme. We always finish with a prayer for those we have lost and for each other.
The Lifeboat also hopes to organises occasional social outings and activities. Many lasting friendships have been formed through the group. If you are grieving and would like some support, we warmly invite you to come along to one of our workshops. You will need to book a place for the session as numbers are limited.
If you would prefer to speak to one of us first, please contact the parish office or one of us, details below.
We also have a small library of books about bereavement that you are welcome to borrow. These include titles on coping with grief, finding hope, and the Catholic understanding of death and resurrection. Several parishioners have found these resources very helpful alongside the support from each other.
Please contact
Isabelle Parsons 07873 953423, isabelle.parsons23@gmail.com or
Sheila Sprigge 07840 489204, sheilasprigge@gmail.com
Want to get involved?
Contact the parish office or speak with a group leader after Mass.