Every year over 300 people die as a result of drugs and alcohol in Norfolk. Over 1,500 people die in this way in the Eastern Region. When this happens people can find it hard to say goodbye properly, due to shock, stigma and confusion. For some people it is a tragedy that is hard to share and difficult to bear.

 

This is the fourth year for the service of remembrance held at Norwich Cathedral. Each year over 150 people have turned up to remember their loved ones and commemorate their lives. It is a very poignant time with children, parents, husbands, wives and many others remembering those who had died.

 

People come from across the region, some even travelling from London and Cambridge.

 

Norfolk Coroner, William Armstrong says "It is sadly a common but always deeply distressing experience for me as Coroner to meet face to face with the families of those whose lives have been cut short through drug and alcohol problems.  I am profoundly conscious of the anguish and devastation felt by those who suffer such losses.  The service in the Cathedral offers an opportunity for families and friends to come together to share their grief, to give thanks for the lives of their loved ones, however damaged they may have been, and to experience a sense of fellowship and acceptance."

 

Whilst living with or supporting someone with a drug or alcohol problem can be extremely difficult, this service is an opportunity to also remember the good in those that have died and that every individual is unique and special. 

 

 

The Matthew Project is supporting this event and Julian Bryant, Director, says ‘‘sadly when you are in shock at the time of loss there is not always the time or the emotional energy to show how much you value someone’s life in the way you would like. Everybody who has died in this way deserves to be remembered. I will be thinking of those people I have known and I’ll be quietly praying and remembering. It will be a very poignant service. Drugs and alcohol affect us all.”

 

During the service there will be an opportunity for people to choose a pebble and place it in front of the altar in memory of the person they have known and cared for.  Different people will take part in the service including parents and friends who have lost loved ones to drugs and alcohol.

 

Tea and coffee with be available afterwards if people wish to stay. There will also be people available to talk to if this would be helpful.

 

For more information please call 01603 626123 or visit www.matthewproject.org