Aim The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increased demand for bereavement support, resulting in longer waiting lists for support, particularly those impacted by complicated grief and those experiencing loneliness and isolation (UK Commission on Bereavement. Bereavement is everyone’s business. 2022).

Methods Based on an assessment by a qualified counsellor and, in some cases, following a period of one-to-one counselling, those suitable for group support were linked to the most suitable group (Thompson, Doka. Disenfranchised grief. In: Neimeyer (ed.) Techniques of grief therapy: assessment and intervention. Routledge; 2016). Therapeutic Groups facilitated by a qualified bereavement counsellor included: Loss of a partner; Loss through suicide; Loss of a parent; Queer grief; Young person’s groups; Loss of adult child, and an open therapy group. Additionally, we extended our social group options, including ‘Grows’ (Grief Recovery with Support), Walk and Talk, Rye Harbour Nature group, ‘Write Out Loud’ writing group, and Queer Grief peer support group, all facilitated by trained bereavement supporters. Queer grief was created in response to clients reporting feeling unsafe disclosing their sexual identity in open groups.

Results In the 2021/2022 period, 47 individuals participated in therapeutic groups, and attendance increased to 88 in 2022/2023. Social groups saw 108 attendees in 2021/2022 and 178 in 2022/2023. Attendees expressed high satisfaction and reported significant benefits, with their needs consistently met. Notably, at the start of the group, 31% of attendees were identified as resilient in coping with their loss. By the end of the group, this percentage significantly increased to 81% using the AAG scale (Machin, Bartlam, Bartlam. Bereavement Care. 2015;34(2):59–68).

Conclusion Our program has fostered resilience, reduced isolation, and provided timely support, contributing to healing within local communities. Clients have developed their own support networks beyond the life of the groups, some even volunteering to support groups and activities. Moving forward, we plan to continue our existing groups and increase our offer including a men’s therapeutic group in 2024.