Local bereavement support and support groups

Here’s a list of bereavement support groups and services that we’re aware of in Preston, South Ribble and Chorley. We do our best to keep the page up to date, but would still strongly recommend you get in touch with the group before you go along for the first time to check the details are correct.

There are lots of other national organisations that provide help for bereaved people either online or outside of the local area. The best place to find details of these organisations is through AtaLoss, a national signposting service: www.ataloss.org

If you know of groups or services that we’ve missed, or things have changed or ceased to run, please drop us a line at communities@stcatherines.co.uk 

Preston

• Bereavement Centre, Royal Preston Hospital (also covers Chorley Hospital) 
  Support for patients and families across Central Lancashire.
  Sharoe Green Lane, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9HT / bereavement@lthtr.nhs.uk / 01772 523730

• Bereavement Group, St Lawrence with St Paul’s Church, Longridge 
  The group meets with other people in similar circumstances to share experiences in a safe environment. It is an opportunity to meet with others who are making the long journey of bereavement: to be supportive and support one another as we share our joys and sorrows together. First Monday of the month from 7:30pm-9pm.
  Berry Lane, Longridge, PR3 3WA / karenlburdett@hotmail.com / More details here

• The Bereavement Journey, Christ Church
  Six week course led by a Lay Minister and a vicar. Topics covered include: attachment, separation and loss; the impact and pain of bereavement; adjusting to change; anger and guilt; coping with others’ reactions; and moving on healthily. There is an optional sixth session on Faith questions. Open to all.
  Fulwood, Preston, PR2 8NE / 01772 875823 / christchurchpreston@gmail.com / More details here

• Cancer Help, Vine House Centre
  Cancer Help’s bereavement support service offers a person-centred approach to bereavement following the death of a person through cancer, or pre-bereavement support for those whose loved on has a terminal cancer diagnosis. The service is provided by a skilled team of staff. The help provided by Cancer Help may include individual counselling, group support, and family support. Although Preston-based, their support is for residents of Preston, South Ribble and Chorley. You can contact them directly for support.
  22 Cromwell Road, Preston, PR2 6YB / info@cancerhelppreston.co.uk / More details here

• Cedar House
  Cedar House offers counselling on a wide range of issues, including bereavement (anxiety, depression, self-confidence, relationship issues, divorce, abuse, bereavement, disability, redundancy, stress, pregnancy-related issues and more). They welcome anyone over the age of 18 and you can contact them directly to ask for support. Although Preston-based, their support is for residents of Preston, South Ribble and Chorley.
  23 Mount St, Preston, PR1 8BS / 01772 880909 / info@cedarhousepreston.co.uk / More details here

• Ingol Bereavement Café, West Preston, supported by St Catherine’s Hospice
  An informal group where anyone can come and chat, have a brew and talk to others about their loss, whether their loved one has died recently or some time ago. The Bereavement Café is supported by St Catherine’s Hospice and St Margaret’s Church. Second Wednesday of the month, 2.00pm-3.30pm. St Margaret’s Church, Tag Lane, Preston, PR2 3ZU.
  More details here

• Peer-Support for people affected by Suicide
  Led by a bereavement counsellor, this is a place for shared conversations and quiet reflection. Get in touch with the Community Asset Development team (NHS) to arrange a one to one consultation before attending. Weekly face-to-face sessions run alternately in Preston, at Ashton Methodist Church and Chorley, at Buckshaw Village Community Centre, 12pm-2pm. For more information and to arrange a consultation, please email cad@lscft.nhs.uk

• Out of the Embers, Black Bull Pub, Fulwood
  Run in partnership with the Methodist Church, this monthly meet up is a safe space for people to come and meet others who have been bereaved. This peer-support group meets on the second Monday evening of the month, 7pm-8.30pm. For more information, you can call the pub on 01772 716834.
  Black Bull Pub, 315 Garstang Rd, Preston, PR2 9UP.

• Ribbleton Bereavement Café, East Preston, supported by St Catherine’s Hospice
  An informal group where anyone can come and chat, have a brew and talk to others about their loss, whether their loved one has died recently or some time ago. The Bereavement Café is supported by St Catherine’s Hospice, Let’s Grow Preston and The Ribbleton Parish. First Thursday of the month, 10.00am-11.30am. Rothwell Hall (next to St Mary Magdalene’s Church), Farringdon Ln, Ribbleton, Preston PR2 6LX
  More details here

• SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity) – Preston and Blackpool Sands Support Group 
  The Sands National Helpline provides a safe, confidential place for anyone who has been affected by the death of a baby. The telephone helpline is free to call from landlines and mobiles on 0808 164 3332. The team are available to speak to from 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday and 6pm to 9pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
  helpline@sands.org.uk / 0808 164 3332
  The local support group for people meet monthly in Blackpool, and are a chance for anyone who has been effected by the death of a baby to be able to talk, share and listen to others in a safe environment with people who understand.
  blackpoolpreston@sandsvolunteer.org.uk / More details here

• Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide
  Groups are run by volunteers, many of whom have lived experience of bereavement by suicide personally. The group location is private, so please contact in advance before attending to get details of the exact location. Last Wednesday of every month.
  preston@uksobs.org / 07376 718795 / More details here

South Ribble

• Bereavement Support Groups, St Catherine’s Hospice
  The hospice’s Support Team runs two bereavement support groups once a month, offering mutual support to bereaved people and an opportunity to speak with the team. There is usually a volunteer counsellor available for short consultations. Open to all. The afternoon group meets on the second Wednesday of the month, 1.30pm-3pm. The evening group meets on the third Thursday of the month, 6pm-7.30pm. It’s helpful to pre-book or let the team know you’d like to come for the first time, by emailing supportteam@stcatherines.co.uk or calling 01772 629171.
  St Catherine’s Hospice (meet in the main hospice building), Lostock Hall, Preston, PR5 5XU / More details here

• Gregson Lane Bereavement Café, supported by St Catherine’s Hospice
  An informal group where anyone can come and chat, have a brew and talk to others about their loss, whether their loved one has died recently or some time ago. The Bereavement Café is the first Thursday of the month, 1pm-2.30pm. It’s run in partnership with Trinity Methodist Church, All Saints Higher Walton Church, Holy Trinity Hoghton Church and St Catherine’s Hospice.
  Trinity Methodist Church, Gregson Lane, PR5 0ED. More details here

• Griefshare
  GriefShare is a structured weekly program that offers support for people who have lost a loved one. The group is a safe and welcoming place for people to understand and learn about grief. Please contact the Church Office (phone: 01772 622964) to see when the course is running.
  St Andrew’s Church, Church Hall, Worden Lane, Leyland, PR25 3EL / More details here

• The Bereavement Journey, Bamber Bridge Methodist Church  
  Seven week course starting on the 19th of September 2024, led by pastoral workers. Topics covered include: attachment, separation and loss; the pain and responses of grief; anger and guilt; coping with others’ reactions; delayed and suppressed grief; adjusting to change and moving forward healthily. There is an optional seventh session on Faith questions. Open to all. Booking is essential –  djpastoral@outlook.com or 07719200451
  Station Road, Bamber Bridge, PR5 6ED

• The Merry Widows
  A friendly group for widows, carers and anyone who needs a chat. First Friday of the month, 10.30am-11.30am.
  Stickyweeds Coffee Shop, 328 Chapel Lane, New Longton, PR4 4AB / stickyweedscafe@gmail.com / More details here

Chorley

• After Loss Club 
  Run by local befriending charity New Friends For You, these weekly meetings offer peer-led support and friendship for bereaved people.
  Monday Afternoons (recommended for recently bereaved people)
  Every Monday 2.30pm-4pm.
  Hartwood Hall Hotel, Preston Road, Chorley, PR6 7AX / friendsforyou2016@outlook.com / More details here
  Monday Evenings
  Meet new friends, play dominoes and chat over a drink. Every Monday 7.30pm-9pm.
  Seaview Pub, Preston Road, Chorley, PR6 7HH / friendsforyou2016@outlook.com / More details here

• Chorley Bereavement Cafe, supported by St Catherine’s Hospice
  An informal group where anyone can come and chat, have a brew and talk to others about their loss, whether their loved one has died recently or some time ago. The Bereavement Café is supported by St Catherine’s Hospice and St Laurence’s Church. Second Wednesday of the month, 2.00pm-3.30pm.
  St Laurence’s Church, Union Street, Chorley, PR7 1EB / More details here

• Chorley Women’s Centre Counselling Services
  General counselling offers clients the opportunity to explore difficulties around a diverse range of issues such as: bereavement, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression. Open to women living in the Chorley area.
  55 Clifford Street, Chorley, PR7 1SE / chorleywomenscentre@outlook.com / 01257 265342 / More details here

• Griefshare
  GriefShare is a structured weekly program that offers support for people who have lost a loved one. The group is a safe and welcoming place for people to understand and learn about grief.
  Living Waters Church, 33-45 Bolton Street, Chorley, PR7 3AB / office@lwchurch.uk / More details here

• Moving On
  If you have lost someone a while ago but are still grieving, “Moving On” is the group for you, for continuing grief care and support. Every Monday 2.30-4pm.
  Seaview Pub, Preston Road, Chorley, PR6 7HH / friendsforyou2016@outlook.com / More details here

• Peer-Support for people affected by Suicide
  Led by a bereavement counsellor, this is a place for shared conversations and quiet reflection. Get in touch with the Community Asset Development team (NHS) to arrange a one to one consultation before attending. Weekly face-to-face sessions run alternately in Preston, at Ashton Methodist Church and Chorley, at Buckshaw Village Community Centre, 12pm-2pm. For more information and to arrange a consultation, please email cad@lscft.nhs.uk

Bereavement Support and your Health and Wellbeing
After a bereavement, it’s natural to want and ask for support. Many people find support from their friends, family or in their communities, but others may find more formal support helpful. To access formal support, please contact your GP in the first instance.

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