Harrogate District Grief and Beyond

Every person. Every story. Every loss matters.

Welcome to Navigating Grief Together – In Memory of Brian Lambert.

If you've found your way here, it's likely that grief has become part of your life. Whether your loss is recent or many years ago, whether you're searching for support for the first time or simply looking for people who understand, you're warmly welcome here.

Grief is different for everyone. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, no timetable to follow, and no expectation about how you should feel. Whatever your story, you don't have to face it alone.

Navigating Grief Together exists to bring people together in a place of kindness, compassion, and understanding. We believe that healing doesn't come from having all the answers, but from knowing that someone is willing to walk alongside you.

We hope this website helps you discover who we are, what we offer, and how you can become part of our welcoming community. Whether you're ready to attend one of our gatherings, would simply like to find out more, or are supporting someone who is grieving, we're glad you've found us.

Thank you for visiting, and we hope to welcome you in person soon.

Every Loss Matters

Our Aim

Navigating Grief Together – In Memory of Brian Lambert (previously Harrogate District Grief and Beyond) was created with one simple purpose: to ensure that no one has to face grief alone.

Losing someone you love can be one of life's most difficult experiences. It can leave you feeling isolated, misunderstood, and unsure where to turn. While family and friends often want to help, it can be comforting to spend time with people who truly understand the many emotions that bereavement brings.

Navigating Grief Together is a free, peer-led bereavement support group for adults aged 18 and over. We provide a welcoming, confidential, and informal environment where people can come together, share experiences, build friendships, and support one another through grief.

Our gatherings are relaxed and friendly, with no pressure to speak or share your story. Some people find comfort in talking, while others simply appreciate listening or being in the company of people who understand. However you choose to take part, you will always be welcomed with kindness, compassion, and respect.

What Does "Peer-Led" Mean?

Being peer-led means there are no counsellors, therapists, or professionals leading the gatherings. Instead, the group is built around mutual support from people who have experienced bereavement themselves.

Everyone who attends contributes to creating a caring and understanding community—whether by listening, sharing their own experiences, offering encouragement, or simply being present. We believe that no one understands grief quite like someone who has walked a similar path.

Each person remains responsible for their own wellbeing while helping to create a safe, supportive, and respectful environment where every loss, every story, and every individual matters.

Whether your loss is recent or happened many years ago, whether you've lost a spouse or partner, a child, a parent, a sibling, a grandparent, another family member, or a close friend, you will find a warm welcome at Navigating Grief Together.

Together, we hope to remind one another that, although grief changes our lives forever, none of us has to navigate it alone

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 local gatherings in Harrogate, for support and understanding.

Every Monday 6.30pm to 8pm
Oatlands Community Centre
Mount Street
Harrogate
HG2 8DQ
Tel 07783 672873
Every Thursday 12.30pm to 2.30pm
Bilton Club
Skipton Road
Harrogate
HG1 4LL
07783 672873
Every Sunday 9.45am to 11am
(until 20/9/2026)
Everyman cinema
Meet in cafe on 1st floor
Station Parade
Harrogate
HG1 5AR
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."