First consolation in Salzgitter: a place of encounter and consolation

First consolation in Salzgitter: a place of encounter and consolation

Today is a special day for Salzgitter: The first consolation was ceremoniously inaugurated in the cemetery in Lebenstedt. This innovative offer comes from the Hospiz Initiative Salzgitter e.V. and is aimed at everyone who needs support and a place of encounter in times of mourning. As reports saltgitter.de, mourners do not have to register beforehand, but can simply come by and take a seat. The trained volunteer mourning companions are available every Wednesday afternoon from 2 p.m.

In recent years, the idea of ​​consolation and mourning benches has prevailed nationwide and is now also finding its place in Salzgitter. "The consolation bank offers a room to pause and get into conversation with others," explains Monika Metze, one of the volunteers who were instrumental in the project. There is also an info box with flyers about the various offers of the association. For those who want to find out online, a QR code leads to a digital offer with consolation stories and poems by Doris Engels and Manuela Herzog.

a place for grief and memories

The consolation is on the urn graves collection field VIII and is not only a place to linger, but also a symbolic place of encounter. "People can find comfort here or give others an open ear," notes the hospice initiative, and that hits the nail on the head. Many mourners experience a significant loss of contact due to the loss of a loved one and often feel alone after the funeral service. The consolation is intended to alleviate this loneliness and offer a space for community.

The bank was manufactured in the carpentry of the Christian youth village (CJD) Salzgitter, and the local construction measures were approved by the urban management company. The financing of the project has been secured by generous donations of private sponsors and the support of the Salzgitter community foundation. In addition, there are already plans for a second consolation in the forest cemetery in Salzgitter-Bad, which shows that the need for such offers is getting bigger.

Together through the mourning

As the Hospizhilfe Grafschaft Bentheim emphasizes, grief is a very individual process that is strongly influenced by personal relationships. The loss of a loved one can change life greatly and often make it lonely. Therefore, the exchange with other mourners is invaluable. Events such as the consolation not only offer a physical space, but also the opportunity to talk to others and to exchange ideas - Ethus that many find extremely beneficial.

The consolation is not only an impressive sign of solidarity in Salzgitter, but also a shining example of how to take the challenges of life together in difficult times. With the offer, the hospice initiative would like to help people not be left alone in their grief and find comfort-according to the motto: together you are less alone.