Stepping Stones offers free, volunteer-led bereavement support groups to any adult living in east Kent, regardless of whether their loved one was a patient at the hospice.

Grief is a very natural and normal emotional response to loss, and while many people find comfort and strength through their personal networks of family, friends, and community, some can benefit from sharing their grief with others who are experiencing similar losses.

Pilgrims Stepping Stones bereavement support groups provide a welcoming, safe, and relaxed space for individuals to connect and heal together.

Stepping Stones Bereavement Café

Held each month at Pilgrims Hospices in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, our Bereavement Café is a supportive gathering facilitated by trained Pilgrims volunteers. This group offers a safe and structured environment for individuals to share their grief experiences, helping them recognise grief as a natural and normal response to loss. It's a place to connect with others who understand, offering comfort and solidarity.

Who is it for?

Any adult living in east Kent who has experienced a bereavement – there is no requirement to have previously been supported by Pilgrims.

For more information, please call 01233 504 127 (Option 2) or email [email protected].

 

It was invaluable to have a safe place to let thoughts and feelings out, knowing others are in the same position or at similar stages in their loss experience.

Stepping Stones Bereavement Walking Group

Combining the therapeutic benefits of nature, gentle exercise, and social interaction, our Bereavement Walking Group offers a relaxed and supportive environment for bereaved individuals. Led by Pilgrims-trained volunteers, these walks take place at various locations across east Kent, with each walk lasting approximately 45 minutes. It’s an opportunity to meet new people, share experiences, and support one another while enjoying the outdoors. The walks are accessible, with parking available and refreshments along the route.

Who is it for?

Any adult living in east Kent who has experienced a bereavement – there is no requirement to have previously been supported by Pilgrims.

For more information, please call 01233 504 127 (Option 2) or email [email protected].

 

This group is fantastic as are the volunteers, it’s a safe and warming place and couldn’t feel more welcome

Stepping Forward Group

This informal drop-in group is hosted by Pilgrims volunteers who have personally benefited from Stepping Stones support and now wish to help others through their grief journey. Meeting every fortnight at Pilgrims Hospices in Ashford and Thanet, our Stepping Forward Group provides a relaxed setting for bereaved individuals to come together over a coffee and biscuit, offering peer support in a friendly and understanding atmosphere.

Who is it for?

Any adult living in east Kent who has experienced a bereavement – there is no requirement to have previously been supported by Pilgrims.

For more information, please call 01233 504 127 (Option 2) or email [email protected].

Therapeutic Bereavement Counselling 

Whilst grief is a natural and normal human response to loss, some people can feel overwhelmed with prolonged or complicated emotions that are having a significant impact on their day to day lives, and they may feel stuck in their grief and unable to move forward. For these individuals, specialist bereavement counselling can be helpful.

Pilgrims' team of experienced and accredited counsellors are specifically trained to offer one to one therapeutic bereavement counselling for those who are experiencing prolonged or complicated grief – either face to face, over the telephone or via video call, for up to six sessions.

Who is it for?

Family/friends of hospice patients only.

To enquire about therapeutic bereavement counselling, please call 01233 504 127 (Option 2) or email [email protected]

A member of our counselling team will contact you discuss if bereavement counselling is right for you.

If you are not a family member or friend of a hospice patient but think that therapeutic bereavement counselling might be helpful to you, please contact your GP for advice.