A BORDERS business has created a group to support people in bereavement.

Geek Retreat, in Channel Street in Galashiels, has opened its doors to members of the community to talk about their grief over a cup of tea or coffee with those going through similar experiences.

Shop manager Charlie Dawson said that she was inspired by a regular customer to create the group sessions.

"My deputy manager's granny comes into the shop regularly and she said there's nothing for bereavement in Galashiels," said Charlie.

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She added: "It's not a professional group.

"People can just come for a coffee and a chat.

"We've made the point that it's a confidential group as well.

"There's not really anywhere to meet in a relaxed environment to talk about grief."

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Charlie, whose dad passed away when she was four years old said that it was also a conversation with her mum when first setting up her business which sparked the idea of creating a space to discuss grief.

She said: "My mum helped to decorate the place when I first got it.

"And we were in the back decorating the toilets and she started talking about my dad.

"There were a lot of memories, I learned a lot.

"She said it was very therapeutic to talk about it and how different people grieve."

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Since first sharing about the Bereavement Group on Geek Retreat Galashiels' Facebook page, Charlie said she has received a number of positive messages.

"We've had a lot of positive messages on Facebook," she said, "I think some people may have been a bit reluctant to come to the first session, maybe they're not ready to talk but they like the idea.

"I've even had other community groups reach out."

The Bereavement Group will run every Monday at Geek Retreat from 10am to 12pm.

For more information visit the Geek Retreat Galashiels Facebook page, and if you have any questions send the shop a private message.