About Us

Grieving Friends Support Network was born out of a personal experience of loss.

The personal experience of losing close ones brought home the reality and pain of dealing with grief to one of the directors of the Grieving Friends Support Network. Talking about that pain with others in similar situations, and being there for some of them, opened his eyes to how many bereaved people feel isolated, unsure where to go and under pressure to “move on”.

Out of those shared experiences, the Grieving Friends Support Network was established to support people who have been bereaved and are struggling with the grieving process – a community of people who have suffered bereavement, meeting to talk and listen. What began as a small group has grown into a developing support network and Bereavement Centre in Harlow, where people can share their emotions in a safe group or in a one-to-one meeting facilitated by a professional.

Why Grieving Friends Exist

Our vision is to enable a community where no one has to grieve in silence, where people are met with compassion and understanding, and where they can find ways to live with loss that honour both their story and their loved ones.

Bereavement is a universal experience, but many people:

Don’t receive the support they need

Many people are left to cope alone, unsure where to turn and unable to access timely, meaningful bereavement support in their local community.

Find it hard to talk about their grief with family, friends or colleagues

They worry about burdening others, feel misunderstood, or sense that people around them are uncomfortable with honest conversations about loss.

Feel as though there is a “time limit” on their grief

After a while they can feel pressure to be “over it”, even though the impact of bereavement often continues long after the funeral or first few months.

Struggle with the knock-on effects on their mental health, relationships, work and daily life

Grief can affect sleep, mood, concentration and motivation, making it hard to manage everyday responsibilities or stay connected with others.

Our Mission

Our mission is to create a safe space for individuals, groups and organisations to receive health and wellbeing support following a bereavement or loss.

We seek to share the pain of bereavement, facilitate love and connection and provide hope, even when life has changed forever.

Our Values

Our values shape the way we welcome, listen to and walk alongside people who are grieving. They describe the kind of space we want Grieving Friends to be.

Compassion

We meet people with kindness, patience and understanding.

Dignity

Every person’s story and every loss matters.

Presence

We offer steady, non-judgemental companionship in the midst of pain.

Community

Healing is supported by connection, not isolation.

Hope

We hold hope that, even when life has changed forever, it is possible to find new ways to live alongside grief.

What We do

Harlow is one of the most deprived areas in Essex, and as such access to psychological and emotional support is limited and unaffordable to the majority of the people living in the area. Therefore, Grieving Friends Support Network is established to provide these services to the population in partnership with the local council and other stake holders in the community such as churches and other local charities.

Community support groups

Regular sessions for anyone who has suffered a bereavement or loss.

Bereavement Conversations

Interactive mornings combining presentation, discussion and reflection on grief.

Developing Bereavement Centre

A safe, hospitable space in Harlow where bereaved people can visit and find support.

Workshops and small group activities

Spaces to explore grief, remembrance and wellbeing.

Practical help through partnership

Connecting people with food, household necessities and other forms of support via local agencies.

Volunteer training and support

Equipping volunteers to welcome visitors, offer a listening ear and signpost to further support.

Our Community & Partnerships

Grieving Friends is rooted in Harlow and the surrounding area. We value collaboration and seek to work alongside:

Hospitals and healthcare providers

Schools, colleges and universities

Churches and faith communities

Funeral directors and bereavement services

Local authorities and community organisations

Together we aim to build a stronger, more compassionate network of support for bereaved people.