Safe Harbour Bereavement Group’s aim is to bring people together in a safe and comfortable environment with on hand Counselling and Therapy. With the funding received from the Community Investment Board they have been able to help over 100 attendees to our 3 meeting per month in and around Southend.

Alongside the group conversations, speakers attend to bring thoughtful insights into coping with life, finding resilience, and looking after wellbeing. These talks often spark meaningful conversations and help people feel less isolated in what they are going through. 2025 Speakers include, Dogs for the blind, Joy from Parent Loss, 2-1 Social group, Bee Man, Strollers, British Weather Man, Niven from HomeStead and Gardener, Andy Bunker from Alton Garden Centre. Without the Community Investment Fund we would not be able to afford to have these speakers.

The group also arranged a coach trip to Bury St Edmunds for a beautiful and relaxing day out. They also make time for lighter moments including quizzes, bingo, gentle team sports day and a Strawberry Tea event. The team work together with professionals to get
members to join in, mixing and stepping out of their comfort zone and reminding everyone that even in the midst of sadness, there can still be connection and joy.

Between April to July 2025 the professional Counsellor and Therapist had spoken 1 to 1 with over 14 people, had table chats with numerous people at every meeting and organised 4 talks to the group as a whole. The group are often told that the sessions make a difference, is a lifeline, and even a lifesaver. It’s not unusual for participants to offer a warm thumbs-up at the end of a session. These simple but heartfelt gestures remind everyone that the group is truly working – offering comfort, community, and strength at a time when those things can feel hard to find.

Quote from Service User:

“[Member name] was referred to us by the Vicar at Southend Hospital via the bereavement Office when her husband passed away 3 years ago. [Member name] comes to every meeting at The Balmoral Centre and when we discuss our bereavement or have anyone new members joining the group she always says ‘ this group saved my life’ and ‘I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the team and members of the group’.”