Background Bereavement hubs were established to provide ongoing support to individuals on their grief journey, offering an alternative to face-to-face support and fostering a sense of community. As attendance grew, concerns arose regarding the sessions becoming more social and exclusive to regular attendees.

Aim To restructure the bereavement hubs into a six-month cycle, focusing on different aspects of the grief journey in each session, creating a more inclusive and structured environment for participants.

Method Restructuring involved a review of literature on grief support plus consultation with attendees. The new format was implemented, with each session of the cycle addressing specific themes related to the grief journey. Attendees were encouraged to participate, and missed sessions were offered in subsequent cycles.

Results From feedback comparing 2022 - 2024 it was evident that all respondents from both periods considered the hub to be a safe space for sharing their stories. Qualitatively, feedback echoed sentiments of support, understanding, and freedom from judgment, indicating the hubs’ positive impact. Attendees reported emotional benefits, such as enhanced coping mechanisms and a sense of companionship with others facing similar struggles. Additionally, attendees noted practical improvements, including newfound abilities to engage in social activities and manage practical tasks. They also gained new perspectives on living with bereavement, emphasising the importance of self-compassion. In the absence of the hub, respondents expressed uncertainty about accessing professional support, highlighting the hub’s pivotal role in their grief journey. These findings underscore the significance of hubs in providing holistic support to individuals navigating bereavement.

Conclusion The restructuring of bereavement hubs into a structured six-month cycle has proved to be successful, providing attendees with a supportive environment to navigate their grief journey. The flexible approach, guided by attendee feedback, ensures that sessions remain relevant and beneficial to all participants.