Helping Nobody Face Bereavement Alone

When someone we love dies, life can feel very different. Grief can leave us feeling lost, overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. For children, it can be especially difficult to understand what has happened or find the words to explain how they feel.

At Talking About Loss (TAL), we believe nobody should have to face bereavement alone, and nobody should miss out on support because they cannot afford it.

Jacqui's story – where it all began

Talking About Loss began with Jacqui Gunn, who, after her father died, realised how important it was to have somewhere to turn to and people to talk to who understood.

Jacqui started a group to offer others the connection and understanding she had been looking for herself. What began as a simple idea has grown from strength to strength, with free peer support groups now running across East and North Yorkshire.

Our groups offer a friendly, welcoming space where people can meet others who understand. There is no pressure to talk about their loss. Sometimes, sharing a cuppa, listening or simply being with people who understand can make a world of difference.

When someone needs a little more support

Our groups are a valuable source of friendship and comfort, but we know that sometimes people need more specialised help.

Bereavement counselling offers people a private, supportive space to explore their feelings, make sense of their grief and find ways to cope with life after losing someone they love. Having someone who listens without judgement can help people feel understood and less alone at a time when life may feel overwhelming.

Play therapy can be particularly valuable for children who have experienced bereavement. Children do not always have the words to explain their feelings, and they may express their sadness, confusion or worries through play instead. With the help of a trained professional, play therapy gives them a safe space to express themselves, begin to understand their feelings and find ways to cope with their loss.

For families already facing so much, the cost of specialist support can be an additional worry. We want to help remove that barrier so people can access the support they need, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Your donation could change someone's experience of grief

We are raising funds to help provide specialist bereavement counselling and play therapy for children, young people and adults who are struggling after someone they love has died.

Every donation will help us work towards making this support accessible to those who might otherwise go without it.

Your generosity could help a child find a way to express feelings they cannot put into words, give a grieving parent somewhere to turn, or help someone who feels lost begin to find their feet again.

You may never meet the person your donation helps, but your kindness could make a difficult time a little easier to bear.

Together, we can help people feel less alone

Talking About Loss was built on a simple belief: that connection, understanding and the right support can make a real difference when someone is grieving.

With your help, we can continue our free peer support groups across Yorkshire and help more people access specialist counselling and play therapy when they need it most.

Thank you for being part of this. Every donation, share and act of kindness helps us offer comfort, understanding and support to people facing one of life's hardest experiences.

Together, we can help make sure nobody has to face bereavement alone.