First consolation bench in Salzgitter: grief support in the open air!

First consolation bench in Salzgitter: grief support in the open air!

A new meeting place for mourners was created in Salzgitter today: the first consolation bench in the cemetery in Lebenstedt was ceremoniously opened. This initiative by the Hospiz-Initiative Salzgitter e.V. reflects the need of many people to find a place to pause and linger after the loss of a loved one. It's no secret that grief is often accompanied by loneliness and a feeling of being out of touch. That's why the initiative's volunteers, including Monika Metze, Hanni Inschläger and Christiane Voss, created the consolation bank to support people in difficult times. According to salzgitter.de, those affected can simply come by and sit on the bench without registering in advance.

Every Wednesday afternoon from 2 p.m., the consolation bench at urn grave collection field VIII is manned by trained grief counselors who are available to provide an open ear and a non-judgmental exchange. This allows those grieving to not only find comfort, but also to listen to others, thereby creating a communal space for emotional support. An informative signpost directs those interested directly to the location. Next to the bank there is an information box with flyers from the hospice initiative that present the association's other offerings.

A sign of togetherness

The Trostbank is not only a popular place to retreat, but also a symbolic place of community in public space. This makes it clear how important it is to promote communication about grief and loss. The idea has already been taken up in various cities across the country, and now it has also been implemented in Salzgitter. As hospiz-initiative-salzgitter.de emphasizes, the hospice initiative has succeeded in creating this valuable space, thanks to the active support of volunteers and full-time staff.

The bench and the signposts were made and installed in the carpentry workshop of the Christian Youth Village (CJD), while financing was secured by private donors and the Salzgitter Community Foundation. A QR code on the information box allows access to consolation stories, consolation poems and even comforting music provided by the authors Doris Engels and Manuela Herzog. The offer is intended to help those grieving process their emotions better and feel less alone.

A look into the future

The hospice initiative is already planning to set up a second consolation bench in the forest cemetery in Salzgitter-Bad, which is made possible through the support of Christian Heinrich, the first chairman of the community foundation. This expansion shows that the need for such facilities is recognized and the appreciation for emotional support in times of grief is growing.

Despite the sadness that comes with loss, there are also bright spots. Offers like the Trostbank give people hope and let them know: they are not alone. Help and exchange are just a bank away, and that is a valuable consolation for many grieving people.