A community bereavement support group that has helped hundreds of people across Harrogate is hoping to expand into Skipton.
Navigating Grief Together – In Memory of Brian Lambert was founded by Ann Lambert following the death of her husband, Brian, in March 2025.
After struggling to find regular, informal peer support following her own bereavement, Ann decided to create the type of group she felt was missing somewhere people could meet others who truly understood what they were going through, without pressure or expectations.
What began as a Facebook group has since grown into twice-weekly face-to-face gatherings, telephone support, social events and specialist signposting, with people travelling from across North Yorkshire to attend.
Now, with several attendees already making the journey from Skipton, Ann says she hopes to establish a local group in the town to make support more accessible.
The biggest challenge, she says, is finding a suitable venue.
Ann is appealing to businesses, community organisations, churches or charities that may be able to offer the use of a room free of charge on a regular basis.
She said:
"We already welcome people travelling from Skipton, Ripon and Tockwith, showing that the need extends well beyond Harrogate.
"Looking ahead, I hope to establish similar gatherings in Ripon and Skipton, working alongside existing support."
The group meets in a relaxed café-style setting rather than a traditional support group format, allowing people to chat at their own pace without feeling under pressure to speak.
Attendees range in age from 18 to almost 90 and include people grieving the loss of partners, parents, children, siblings, relatives and close friends. Some attend before the funeral of a loved one, while others seek support many years after their bereavement.
Ann said:
"There is no intimidating circle of chairs and no pressure to speak.
"People walk into a welcoming café-style room, receive a personal welcome and join in at their own pace."
The group has been supported by a number of organisations since it was founded, including Oatlands Community Centre, Bilton Club, Tesco and Morrisons, helping to ensure meetings remain free to attend.
Ann hopes to establish Navigating Grief Together as a Community Interest Company in the future but says one thing will never change.
"The words 'In Memory of Brian Lambert' will always remain part of its name because Brian's memory will always remain at the heart of everything we do."
Anyone in the Skipton area who may be able to offer a regular meeting space, or would like to find out more about the group's plans, is encouraged to contact Ann Lambert directly.
She added:
"It began with one simple idea: nobody should have to face bereavement alone."
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