Losing a family member or friend can be a devastating experience. But a Diss funeral home is hoping to help people cope with the pain, by holding bereavement support sessions.

Rosedale Funeral Home have held the sessions in their Wymondham and Beccles offices for several years but are now starting them in Diss and Attleborough.

People are able to attend eight free weekly sessions in which there are discussions about loneliness, guilt, anger and people can share their memories of their loved one.

Liz Chapman, bereavement group facilitator, said: 'Death is usually a taboo subject that is avoided but we encourage people to talk.

'Everyone's experience of grief is unique and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. In this group you will find people who care and understand what you are going through.'

The sessions are open to anyone who has lost a loved one, no matter how long ago or in what circumstances and it does not matter what funeral director was used.

Mrs Chapman added: 'We have men and women attend the group. Those who have lost parents and grandparents or people in their 80s who have lost someone after 60 years of marriage.'

The Rosedale Diss office are also collecting vouchers for the Community Chest and if selected to receive a slice of the funds the staff would like to organise a trip to the summer show at Cromer Pier.

This trip would be for people who are alone or have lost a loved one and would enable them to spend time with people who know how they are feeling and are happy to talk about their experiences.

The next bereavement support groups for Diss and Attleborough start in April.

For more information about the group, call Rosedale Funeral Home on 01379 640810.

For more information about the Community Chest, visit http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/community-chest