03/07/2026
We can’t quite believe it’s been two years since the doors opened to the Bereavement Café? To celebrate this special milestone, we’re putting the kettle on and serving an anniversary cake as we mark two years of friendship, support and community.
We would also love to welcome our friends and colleagues from the funeral profession to join us.
Wherever you are on your bereavement journey, you’ll find a warm, understanding and supportive space waiting for you.
Cheryl x
Mansfield Bereavement cafe marks its second anniversary
A special cafe set up to support people going through bereavement and grief is marking its second anniversary.
The Bereavement Cafe Mansfield was set up by local funeral celebrants Cheryl Cooper, Drew Baxter, Katie Trinder, and Wayne Swiffin.
Free to attend, it takes place between 10am and 12 noon on the first Monday of the month at the Floral Hall at Mansfield and District Crematorium in Derby Road, Mansfield Mansfield Crematorium.
Since it was launched two years ago, new and regular attendees have come together to talk, listen, and share their experiences in a safe and supportive environment and with people who are also going through bereavement and grief.
A spokesperson for the cafe said: “What began as a simple idea has become something incredibly special.
“The cafe is a welcoming place where people can meet others who understand, share memories, find support, and realise they're not alone in their grief.
“Over the past two years we've shared tears, laughter, stories, and countless cups of tea. Most importantly, we've watched friendships grow and a caring community flourish.”
John Brooks, who lost his wife Janet in December 2024, attends the cafe.
He said: “Since I have been attending the bereavement cafe, I have found it very very helpful in my grief. I have met some wonderful people, and all the celebrants that started the cafe are wonderful and friendly.
“The cafe has helped with my own grief and I will continue to attend as I would like to think I am helping people who just lost a loved one and are attending the cafe for the first time.”
The next cafe is on July 6, and other local celebrants, funeral directors, ministers, and everyone working within the funeral profession are invited to attend.
Nada Colclough, Crematorium and Cemeteries Manager and Registrar, said: “It is wonderful to see the cafe reach this milestone, and it has been an outstanding addition to what we offer here at the crematorium.
“It is also a great example of different people coming together and giving their time to support those going through loss. It is fair to say that the cafe is making a real difference.”
The cafe has been supported by a number of people and businesses, including Mansfield Woodhouse-based PoFfles, which provides homemade cakes, and Mansfield-based Flare Print Studio which has printed business cards.
Anyone who would like to know about the Mansfield Bereavement Cafe should email [email protected].
