A Westhoughton woman who found comfort in talking to others after the death of her husband has gone on to create a supportive community group helping people cope with bereavement.
Jackie Davies set up Thyme to Grieve, which meets at Thyme for Tea Café in Westhoughton, after experiencing first-hand the value of sharing grief with people who understand what it feels like to lose a loved one.
Mrs Davies lost her husband four years ago and began attending support groups to discuss the thoughts and emotions that followed her loss.
Now, she is helping others by providing a welcoming space where people can come together, talk openly, and support one another through difficult times.
She said: "We just get together and we talk about how we’ve felt over the last two weeks, if we’ve had any anniversaries and birthdays, anything that’s really upset us or made us laugh.
"It’s like going round to somebody’s house for a cup of tea and a biscuit and just chatting."
The group meets regularly and encourages members to share their experiences in a relaxed and informal environment, where there is no pressure to speak but plenty of understanding for those who choose to.
Alongside conversations, Thyme to Grieve also organises activities designed to bring people together and create positive experiences.
Recent events have included members gathering in the café's garden to paint outdoors and enjoy the sunshine.
The group also invites specialist guests to attend sessions who provide advice and support around issues such as trauma and post-traumatic stress following bereavement.
Mrs Davies said the group welcomes people regardless of their circumstances or the nature of their loss, with support available to anyone struggling with grief.
She believes awareness of bereavement support has improved significantly since she lost her husband and wants people to know they do not have to face grief alone.
"I just think it’s really important that people talk about grief and that people know there are things going on," she said.
The group has no age restrictions and attracts people from a wide range of backgrounds and generations.
Mrs Davies said younger adults attend alongside members in their eighties, creating a supportive community united by shared experiences rather than age.
A key part of the group's success, she says, has been the support of Jane Roscoe who runs Thyme for Tea Café and provided both encouragement and a home for the meetings in the tearoom.
Having moved to Westhoughton, Mrs Davies said Ms Roscoe helped build her confidence and inspired her to create something that could benefit others.
She said: "Jane is just an amazing person, absolutely amazing,
"It was only because of her that I’m doing it because she gave me the confidence to do it."
Through Thyme to Grieve, Mrs Davies hopes to continue offering companionship, understanding, and practical support to people facing one of life's most difficult experiences, while helping to ensure conversations about grief become more open within the local community.
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