Bereavement support groups 'are not simply rooms full of people crying' says Harrogate founder who experienced loss

A courageous Harrogate woman confronted with the loss of her husband is making a real difference with the community group she set up to help others struggling with grief.

What began with just three or four people walking through the door has grown into a flourishing bereavement community since Ann Lambert founded Navigating Grief Together.

Today, around 70 to 80 people are registered with the, with approximately 20 people attending each week across two regular meetings which are described as “warm, welcoming and relaxed”.

Alongside the face-to-face groups, Navigating Grief Together’s online Facebook community has grown to almost 160 members with a thriving WhatsApp community for regular attendees.

This is more than a story about grief. It is a story about community, resilience, hope and the difference that ordinary people can make when they come together to support one another.

Originally known as Harrogate District Grief and Beyond, Ann founded the group in October 2025 following the death of her husband Brian in March 2025.

"Once the front door closes, it was just me and the dog, rattling around with an overwhelming sound of silence,” said Ann, Founder and Facilitator at Navigating Grief Together, whose groups are free to attend.

"I searched for somewhere to go on an evening, the worst time for me.

"After experiencing that myself, I quickly became aware that many people were struggling with grief, loneliness and isolation, often unsure where to turn for support.

"I recognised a need for a welcoming, accessible community where people could meet others who genuinely understood the challenges of life after loss. "Rather than waiting for someone else to create that support, I decided to establish it myself."

Meeting primarily at Oatlands Community Centre on Mondays from 6.30pm to 8pm, groups are open to any adult experiencing bereavement, regardless of age, circumstances, who they have lost, or how long ago the bereavement occurred.

The success of the original group led to the launch of a second weekly meeting in May 2026, allowing support to be offered both during the day and in the evening.

Ann Lambert is now trialing a third weekly session at The Everyman Cinema in Harrogate on a Sunday from 9.45 am to 11am.

Although Navigating Grief Together welcomes anyone who has lost parents, partners, spouses, children, siblings, friends and other loved ones, the latest group has more of a specific focus

"Everyone is welcome even if they just want to pop in," said Ann, “but I am trying to encourage those experiencing parental loss, as many people are too nervous to come to an actual group as they think they will be the only one.

The current venues utilised by Navigating Grief Together are generously provided free of charge by community-minded organisations that recognise the value of the support being offered.

One year after her own traumatic experience of bereavement, Ann Lambert is still turning darkness into light.

"Perhaps one of the biggest misconceptions about bereavement support groups is that they are simply rooms full of people crying,” she said.

"Whilst tears are always welcome and accepted, that is only a small part of what happens."

On Monday, August 24, Navigating Grief Together will be marking its first anniversary with a special welcome evening affording an opportunity for members to reflect on the group's first year, while also welcoming anyone who would like to learn more about what they do.

Ann Lambert is honoured that the Mayor of Harrogate, Cou Viv Poskitt will be joining it to recognise the contribution the group has made to the local community.