Frequently Asked Questions

No. All of our peer support groups, coffee mornings, and online resources are completely free of charge. We are supported by donations and volunteers.

No referral is needed. You can simply turn up to our open coffee mornings or contact us directly to join a specific group. We operate on a self-referral basis.

Absolutely. Grief has no timeline. Whether your loss was last week or twenty years ago, if you feel the need for support and connection, you are welcome here. Many of our volunteers experienced their loss decades ago.

We are a non-denominational organization. We welcome people of all faiths and none. While some individual members may find comfort in their faith, our groups are focused on the shared human experience of loss rather than religious teaching.

Our general support groups and coffee mornings are open to adults (18+). However, we can signpost you to specialized organizations like Winston's Wish or Teesside Hospice's children's services if you need support for children and teenagers.

Yes. What is shared in the group stays in the group. We ask all attendees to respect the privacy of others. The only exception is if we believe there is an immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, in which case we have a duty of care to seek help.

We are always looking for compassionate individuals to help. You can volunteer to help facilitate groups, organize coffee mornings, or assist with fundraising. Please use the contact form to express your interest.

Yes, memorial donations are a beautiful way to honor someone. You can make a donation via our website, and we can include their name on our remembrance page if you wish.

Not at all. There is absolutely no pressure to share your story. You are welcome to come, have a cup of tea, and just listen to others. You can speak whenever you feel ready, or never at all.

Yes, bringing a supportive friend or family member is perfectly fine, especially for your first visit if you are feeling nervous. They are welcome to sit with you.

Our main Coffee Morning is held every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Marton Cricket Club. It is an informal drop-in session, so you don't need to arrive exactly at 10 or stay until 12.

Please do not worry. Tears are very welcome and completely normal here. We always have tissues handy, and no one will judge you. It is a safe space to let it out.

Yes, Marton Cricket Club has ample free parking available on-site for attendees.

Yes, the venue is fully accessible with ramp access and accessible toilet facilities.

Yes, absolutely. Anger is a very common part of the grieving process. You might be angry at the doctors, at family members, at God, or even at the person who died for leaving you. This is a natural reaction to feeling powerless.

Grief is a whole-body experience. It releases stress hormones that can cause exhaustion, nausea, headaches, muscle aches, and a lowered immune system. Be gentle with yourself and try to rest and hydrate.

Grief can cause brain fog, memory loss, and the sensation of seeing or hearing your loved one. These experiences are very common and do not mean you are losing your mind; they are your brain trying to process a new reality.

Grief is rarely a straight line. It often feels like waves on a shore. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes a "sneaker wave" hits you out of nowhere. This is normal. Over time, the waves usually become less frequent and easier to withstand.

No. Relief is a very common emotion, especially if the person was suffering from a long illness or if the relationship was difficult. Feeling relief does not mean you didn't love them; it often just means you are relieved the suffering (theirs or yours) has ended.

The best thing you can do is listen without trying to "fix" it. Offer practical help (like cooking a meal or walking the dog) rather than saying "let me know if you need anything." Keep showing up, even months later.

Avoid platitudes like "Everything happens for a reason," "They are in a better place," or "At least they lived a long life." These can minimize the person's pain. Instead, say "I am so sorry," or "I don't know what to say, but I am here for you."

Yes. Most grieving people love hearing their loved one's name. It confirms that the person existed and hasn't been forgotten. If mentioning their name brings tears, that is okay; the tears were there anyway.

Returning to work is difficult. We recommend speaking to your HR department about a phased return. Be honest with your manager about your capacity. It helps to have a "safe space" to go to if you get overwhelmed during the day.

Planning is key. Decide in advance how you want to spend the day. You might want to start a new tradition to honor them, or you might want to ignore the holiday completely this year. Both are valid choices.

Our AI Companion is an automated chat tool designed to provide immediate, empathetic responses 24/7. It is helpful for those moments—like 3 AM insomnia—when human support isn't available. It offers coping strategies and a listening "ear."

Yes, your conversations with the AI Companion are private and anonymous. We prioritize your privacy and safety.

No. The AI Companion is a support tool for immediate comfort and coping strategies, but it is not a replacement for professional therapy or medical advice.

We are a peer-support organization, meaning we are fellow grievers, not clinical therapists. However, we have strong links with local organizations like Teesside Hospice and Mind, and we can signpost you to professional counseling services if you need them.

If you are in immediate crisis or feel unsafe, please contact Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7) or text SHOUT to 85258. Our groups are for support, not crisis intervention.