Hosted by Dorset Open Door, Mosaic, Dorset Youth and Dorset Mental Health Forum, the drop-in sessions offer residents the opportunity to find out about local bereavement support, talk about how they are feeling, and look at ways to remember and celebrate the lives of their loved ones.

The events coincide with National Grief Awareness Week (4-10 December) and will also be running during the following week.

The drop-ins are taking place at:

The Front Skate Park, Weymouth

• 4.30-6.30pm
• Tuesday 5 and Tuesday 12 December
• #Willdoes Bus, Preston Beach Road, Weymouth DT4 7SX

The Gallery at Dorset Mental Health Forum, Dorchester

• 4.30-6.30pm
• Thursday 7 and Thursday 14 December
• 29-29a Durngate Street, Dorchester DT1 1JP

There is no need to book a place, anyone can come along for a chat and a coffee. For more information about the sessions visit bit.ly/BereavementCafeDorset.

Sam Adkins, Project Lead for Dorset Open Door, said:

“It can be difficult to know how to start looking for support when you have lost someone. Dorset Open Door is a partnership of local and national organisations, and we are here to help guide you through the process of getting the support you need. We would encourage anyone affected by the loss of someone to come along and find out more about what’s on offer in Dorset.”

Mike Bennett, CEO at Dorset Youth, said:

“Grief can affect all of us in different ways and for young people, losing someone can be especially hard to process. We want everyone to know that you don’t have to go through it alone and there is support available in Dorset - come and see the team at our #Willdoes Bus in Weymouth or at The Gallery in Dorchester.”

Clare Hayton, Senior Therapist at Mosaic, said:

“Bereavement is something that happens to us all. Thankfully a lot of children do not have to navigate the loss of a loved one until later in their life. So when a young person does experience a death, they can often feel isolated and confused about what they are experiencing.

The bereavement cafes are an opportunity to meet others who are bereaved and also to understand the complex feeling around grief.”