"'Wellbeing Service' Scrap Group Therapy"

I was shocked, disgusted and saddened to learn that the Dove Bereavement counselling therapeutic group at the Dudson Centre in Hanley has been scrapped by the NHS Wellbeing Service. Many prefer this line of counselling, whereas those bereaved can draw from and empathise with, others bereaved in the same group setting. Group therapy has been proven by experts to be one of the best lines of treatment/support for those suffering from mental health/emotional problems.

In North Staffordshire, there now only exists one to one counselling and Dove Buddies – the latter is a support network for those to meet up and go on local excursions etc. However, in my experience, many find that the one to one/buddy line of therapy is not to their liking as they prefer the structure of the group therapy setting.

Currently, scores of those bereaved are suffering in isolation and need the actual (not virtual) group setting for counselling. Not only has there been a jump in deaths due to Covid-19; there are the related to Covid deaths like suicide.

I feel cheated that I cannot opt for the counselling which suits my mental health/emotional needs, this is morally reprehensible, especially when government had promised to fund such services, not cut them.