A COMMUNITY church in the Forest is providing a quiet place for "personal reflection and restoration" for those who have experienced loss during the pandemic.

Forest Community Church, in Cinderford, is providing five different "themed" spaces throughout the day on Sunday (October 10) that will enable those who have lost loved ones, friends, jobs or had their mental health impacted during the pandemic to spend time in "quiet reflection".

A spokesperson for the church said: "This last 18 months has been unprecedented.

"During this pandemic we have all suffered varying levels of loss.

"Loss of freedom to socialise, work, spend time with family and loved ones and some have lost jobs and worse still sadly lost close friends to Covid.

"Many have also suffered greatly with losses to their mental health."

The drop-in event is open to anyone, church attender or not, who would like to experience "a safe, quiet place to receive restoration and encouragement through a connection with God."

Pastor Tim Cracknell explained: "The pandemic has taken its toll on most people much more than they realise and we know from the number of calls we are getting that our community needs this kind of opportunity to receive restoration, release and healing to face the days ahead.

"We hope a good number will access this event and enjoy the quiet space that our beautiful little church building gives to find restoration of the soul."

The five quiet spaces are open from 3-4.30pm, and will be followed by a 30-minute service led by pastor Tim Cracknell, which starts at 4.30pm.

Visitors are welcome to stay for "as long or short a period" as they would like.

More information is available at www.fcchurch.co.uk.