"Together through grief"

Welcome to Harrogate District Grief and Beyond — a caring, informal, peer-led bereavement support group.

Here, you’ll find a safe and welcoming space to connect with others who understand the many emotions that come with grief — feeling lost, alone, devastated, empty, and everything in between. You don’t need to explain or justify how you feel; you’ll be met with understanding and kindness.

Together, we support one another as we gently navigate life after loss. There’s no pressure and no expectations — just people walking alongside each other, sharing, listening, and finding strength in community.

Grief changes us, but it doesn’t have to be faced alone. Together, we move forward — beyond loss and towards hope.

Our Aim

 

At Harrogate District Grief and Beyond, our aim is simple: to offer compassion, understanding, and support to one another.

Grief can be an incredibly lonely journey, especially without the support of people who truly understand what you’re going through.

We are a peer-led group that provides a safe, confidential, and informal space where shared experiences help build connection, strength, and resilience. Everyone who attends plays a part in supporting one another, whether by listening, sharing, or simply being present.

Being peer-led means there are no counsellors or professionals. Instead, the group is shaped by those who attend, with each person taking responsibility for themselves while offering care and respect to others.

 

How we help

 

We are a growing, supportive community where people come together to share experiences, build understanding, and form meaningful connections with others who know the pain of loss and grief.

Everyone’s journey through grief is different. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and no timetable for how long it should take.

While the feelings of emptiness, loneliness, and deep sadness can feel familiar to many of us, each person here has their own story. Some have lost a spouse, a child, a parent, or a friend — and each loss is deeply personal.

We may arrive here for different reasons, but we are connected through our shared experience of grief.

Our regular, informal, and private get-togethers are relaxed and welcoming. We sit together over a cup of tea or coffee, chatting freely and offering support in a way that feels natural and unforced.

This isn’t formal counselling — it’s support guided by shared experience. And sometimes, simply being in the company of others who truly understand can help you feel like you can breathe again… because they’re walking this path too.

 

Join our meeting in Harrogate for support and understanding.

  • Every Monday 6.30pm to 8pm
  • Oatlands Community Centre
  • Mount Street 
  • Harrogate
  • HG2 8DQ  
  • Tel 07783 672873 

 

 

What is peer support?

Peer support is simply people who’ve been through similar experiences coming together to support one another. It’s not therapy or counselling — it’s about shared understanding, listening, and being alongside each other.

In this group, it means connecting with others who understand what it’s like to live with deep loss. There’s no fixing and no expectations. Just a gentle reminder that you’re not on your own.

What makes this group different?

Grief can feel lonely, even when you’re surrounded by caring people. Sometimes it’s hard to explain what you’re going through, or you might feel like others don’t quite get it. This group offers something a little different:

  • A relaxed, understanding space where your feelings are welcome — whatever they look like on the day.

  • Genuine empathy from people who’ve been there themselves.

  • A calm, confidential setting with no judgement and no pressure.

There are no big circles, no being put on the spot, and no requirement to talk if you don’t want to.

What to expect when you come along

  • You can share as much or as little as you like. Listening is absolutely okay.

  • We sit together in a relaxed way, often with a cup of tea or coffee, and just take things at your own pace.

  • Support flows both ways. Sometimes being there for someone else can bring unexpected comfort to your own journey.

  • People often share things that have helped them cope, but only if and when it feels right.

  • Seeing others at different points in their grief can bring quiet reassurance that life can continue, even alongside loss.

  • Mutual respect means no probing questions or feeling like you must share. Just sit with a cuppa and don't mention your grief..that's okay too.

Peer support isn’t a replacement for professional help like counselling or therapy, but it can sit alongside it. While professionals offer clinical support, peer support offers something simpler and just as important — being understood by people who really get it.

Come along

If you’re thinking about coming along but feeling unsure, that’s completely okay. You don’t need to prepare anything, and you don’t need to know what to say. Just come as you are. Contact me and I will meet you outside if you're nervous about walking in. You will NOT be walking into an intimidating situation. 

You’re welcome to sit quietly, have a cuppa, and listen — or join in if and when it feels right for you. There’s no pressure, no expectations, and no judgement. We’ll be glad to see you whenever you’re ready.

 

 

Join our meeting in Harrogate for support and understanding.

Every Monday 6.30pm to 8pm

Oatlands Community Centre

Mount Street 

Harrogate

HG2 8DQ  

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can reach us on Facebook. 

Simply look for: Harrogate District Grief and Beyond (https://www.facebook.com/share/16nzdRKPEE/)

Or call:

07783 672873

Or email:

harrogategriefandbeyond@gmail.com 

A caring community

Find understanding and compassion in a safe and welcoming environment.

"This is brilliant what you’re doing. I think sometimes all someone needs is just someone to listen or just even be there. Distraction is good and routine is key. Sharing helps too."

Amy K

"Thank you so much for being there" 

Emma N

"I just wanted to say a big thank you to Ann for organising our pre Christmas gathering. It was such a warm and welcoming atmosphere and my son who accompanied me was really taken with the friendliness of everyone and he felt instantly at ease within the group and felt able to talk about his dad."

IIona W.

"I always come away from these meetings feeling like I have learnt something positive.You might do if you take the first brave step and join us"

Sue J

"I would like to thank Ann for setting up this group.although I’ve only been a couple of times it is a relief to talk to other people and to know that we are all in that same place and we don’t feel quite so alone."

Joanne T

 

 

Contact us

Location

Harrogate, North Yorkshire