Local Community and Partners
 

Abingdon Compassionate Café 

Do you, or do you know someone who could do with some companionship, and lives in the Abingdon area?  Join us,  at 10am to 12pm on 20th December 2024, at the Abingdon Compassionate Café in the beautiful gardens of St Ethelwold’s House in Abingdon for Cake, Kindness and Compassion – a safe haven, to just be!

For a supportive gathering to talk openly, or one-to-one about grief, difficult diagnoses, or caring for a loved one nearing the end of life. Providing a comforting space for conversation, along with cake, tea, coffee, or soft drinks in the beautiful gardens of St Ethelwold’s House.

No agenda or advice, just a safe space for you to chat with others in similar circumstances, or to simply spend some time in a welcoming, inclusive, peaceful space.
At St Ethelwold’s House, Abingdon, OX14 5EB. 

Latest news: in Abingdon's Round and About Magazine on "Surviving Christmas when you have lost a loved one: Surviving Christmas when you've lost someone Round and About • Round & About Magazine

Latest news: 

In partnership with Maggie’s Oxford, , Sobell House and Helen and Douglas House, 
and Seesaw Oxford.

The Café is sponsored by Fiona Mac Celebrant

For more information contact Fiona  at email fiona@fionamaccelebrant.co.uk
 

Fiona is a founder Member of the “Celebrant Circle” and guided by their code of conduct.

Photo credit @harriet_matthews 

Inspiration for the Café

After a recent book launch that Sarah Dennis from Mostly Books, Abingdon organised, I spent some time with the author Clare Mackintosh who was launching her book "I promise it won't always hurt like this" a lived experience book offering its reader 18 Assurances on Grief. It is a powerful read for anyone who has lost a loved one, at any age. 

We chatted about how often there is no where to go, that feels safe, when you are grieving, or caring for someone who is dying, or have a difficult diagnosis yourself. So, a long story short, the seed for the Abingdon Compassionate Café was sown. Fast forward 6 months, and we have our first session in September 2024.

Link to Mostly Books to get a copy of Clare's amazing book.

Home - Mostly Books (mostly-books.co.uk)

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Delighted to report that the first meeting of the Café on 20th Sept 2024 was a great success, we were blessed with a sunny day and the gardens looked wonderful, we welcomed members of the community with home made cake and friendly chat. Huge thank you to all the volunteers who made the day possible. 

Read my article in Abingdon' 

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