Grief is one of life’s most difficult journeys, and no one should have to walk it alone. The Grieving Hearts Support Group was founded to provide a safe, compassionate space for people across Teesside who are navigating loss. Every Saturday morning, members gather to share experiences, listen, and find strength in one another. What makes this group unique is its commitment to combining peer-to-peer support with professional guidance, ensuring that every individual feels heard, understood, and supported.
How Donations Are Used Today
Every donation we receive is carefully directed to areas that make a tangible difference in people’s lives:
- Recruitment of Counsellors: We are actively investing in bringing qualified counsellors into the group. Their expertise complements the warmth of peer support, offering professional strategies for coping with grief and trauma.
- Resources and Materials: Donations fund the creation of printed guides, activity packs, and outreach leaflets. These materials provide practical advice and emotional reassurance, helping members continue their healing journey outside of meetings.
- Community Events: Contributions allow us to organise remembrance activities, awareness sessions, and resilience-building workshops. These events strengthen community bonds and raise awareness about the importance of grief support.
- Volunteer Training: Funds are used to train peer facilitators, equipping them with the skills to listen, guide, and comfort sensitively.
- Emergency Support: A portion of donations is reserved for urgent needs, such as helping families access counselling or crisis services when grief feels overwhelming.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
While the group already provides vital support, we are determined to grow further. Our long-term vision is to transform the Grieving Hearts Support Group into a registered charity. This step will open new opportunities:
- Greater Funding Streams: Becoming a charity will allow us to apply for grants and larger funding opportunities, ensuring sustainability and growth.
- Expanded Services: With charitable status, we can broaden our reach—offering specialised programmes for children, young people, and families affected by loss.
- Partnerships with Schools and Councils: Charity recognition will strengthen our ability to collaborate with local institutions, embedding grief awareness and support into wider community structures.
- Dedicated Counselling Team: We aim to build a permanent team of counsellors who can provide one-to-one sessions alongside group meetings.
- Regional Outreach: Our ambition is to extend support beyond Teesside, creating a network of Grieving Hearts groups across the North East and eventually the UK.
Why Your Support Matters
Every pound donated is more than just financial help—it is a lifeline. It ensures that someone facing the darkest days of grief can find a hand to hold, a voice to listen, and a community to lean on. By supporting Grieving Hearts, you are not only helping today’s members but also investing in a future where grief support is accessible, professional, and embedded in our communities.
A Call to Action
We invite you to stand with us. Whether through a one-off donation, regular giving, or volunteering your time, your contribution helps us move closer to becoming a charity and expanding our reach. Together, we can ensure that no one faces grief alone, and that every heart has the chance to heal.
