As the festive season approaches, grief can become even harder to manage for those who have recently lost a loved one. This National Grief Awareness Week, Sue Ryder is shining a light on the free bereavement support available in Yorkshire, offering a range of services to help people through the holidays.
Sue Ryder, the charity behind Manorlands Hospice near Keighley and Wheatfields Hospice in Leeds, runs a series of Grief Kind Spaces across the county. These are welcoming, drop-in sessions designed to offer emotional support to anyone who has experienced loss.
“Grief can feel isolating at any time, but it can hit people harder during the festive season,” said Tracy Brierly, Sue Ryder’s Grief Kind Space Coordinator for the region. “This is why we want to remind people of the support available here in Yorkshire and encourage them to take steps to care for their emotional wellbeing.”
Sue Ryder’s Grief Kind Spaces provide a safe environment where individuals can share their experiences of grief with others. Supported by Sue Ryder volunteers, these sessions help people feel heard and less alone during a difficult time.
The Grief Kind Spaces are held regularly at different locations across Yorkshire. People do not need to register in advance; they can simply turn up on the day. In response to the festive period, Sue Ryder is offering extra sessions throughout December and into January.
The upcoming dates and locations for December and early January are as follows:
- Village Hotel North Leeds, Headingley, Leeds: Mondays, 10am – 12pm on 2, 9, 16, 23 December 2024, and 6 January 2025.
- Leeds Rhinos, Headingley Stadium, Leeds: Tuesdays, 2.30pm – 4.30pm on 3 and 10 December 2024. From January 2025, sessions will run every Friday from 10am – 12pm, starting on 10 January.
- Teamsport Bradford: Tuesdays, 2.30pm – 4.30pm on 3, 10, 17 December 2024, and 7 January 2025.
- Baildon Rugby Club, Shipley: Thursdays, 10am – 12pm on 5, 12, 19 December 2024, and 2 January 2025.
- Bradford and Bingley Sports Club, Bingley: Thursdays, 10am – 12pm on 5, 12, 19 December 2024, and 2 January 2025.
- Fisher Medical Centre, Skipton: Fridays, 10am – 12pm on 6, 13, 20 December 2024, and 3 January 2025.
- The Old Courthouse, Thirsk: Sessions restart on Thursday 9 January 2025 from 2.30pm – 4.30pm, then weekly every Thursday.
Tracy explained, “Grief doesn’t have a timeline, and the holidays, festivals or seasons you traditionally celebrate can be an emotionally complex time. We hope that by sharing these details, we can help people navigate this season and find support when they need it most.”
If you can’t attend a Grief Kind Space, Sue Ryder also offers free online bereavement support, including video counselling, an online community, and helpful resources. For more information on the support available, visit Sue Ryder Grief Kind Spaces or explore their online resources at Sue Ryder Grief Support.
No one needs to grieve alone. This festive season, Sue Ryder is here to offer the support needed to get through one of the most challenging times of the year.
