Understanding your grief
When you lose a loved one suddenly and unexpectedly, the grieving period can be particularly tough. For gay and queer people, mainstream bereavement services often fall short in understanding the nuances and sometimes unique circumstances of the LGBTQ+ community. We are providing a free, weekly, LGBTQ+ led and judgement free space, to support each other through the grief of having lost a loved one to suicide or drugs.
If you are interested in attending one of our groups, please fill out the registration form and we will get back to you.
Meet our bereavement support group facilitators
"My journey supporting queer communities began way back in the 90's when I volunteered as a buddy for AIDS Line West Midlands. That experience was informative and it opened my heart to the resilience, grief, and love within the LGBTQ+ community."
Octavia Landy
Integrative Psychotherapist (BACP registered)
About our support groups
Our bereavement support groups are for all members of the LGBTQ+ community. Mainstream bereavement services often fall short of understanding the nuances and sometimes unique circumstances of the LGBTQ+ community. We are therefore providing a free, weekly, LGBTQ+ led and judgement-free space to support each other through the grief of having lost a loved one to suicide or drugs, both in person (in London - to start with) and online (for anyone - regardless of where you live).
Support Group Framework
WHO ARE THE GROUPS FOR?
Our support groups are for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Whilst our organisation is particularly focused on sudden unexpected deaths from suicide and drugs, we welcome members from our community who are grieving the loss of a loved one from any cause of death.
HOW WILL THE GROUPS WORK?
Our facilitated group means people are screened and can attend for as long as they like or for a specified period of time. The group offers some flexibility, allowing people to join and leave according to their needs. Having a turnover of group members can be beneficial for those who join the group early in their bereavement, as they see others who are ‘further along’ in coping and preparing to leave the group, which can inspire hope.
WHERE WILL THE GROUPS TAKE PLACE?
We are providing both in-person and online weekly support groups. The online groups will take place over zoom, whilst the in person groups will start in a venue in South London but we are looking to expand the in person support group offering to other cities across the UK based on demand.
WHEN WILL THE GROUPS TAKE PLACE?
The support groups will take place weekly on weekday evenings. The online support group will take place every Tuesday at 7.30-9pm, and the in person support group will take place every Wednesday at 7.30-9.30pm.
HOW BIG WILL THE GROUPS BE?
It will depend on the demand each week. The maximum capacity for each group is 12 people. In addition to the group facilitator, each group will also be attended by 1 or 2 You Are Loved volunteers. Each volunteer will have had lived experiences of losing a loved one themselves and their role is to support both the group facilitator and the group members.