Bereavement Activity Programme
What is Together in Grief?
Together in Grief (TiG) is a programme of support to help people cope with the loss of loved ones. It offers supportive walking and yoga sessions with others who share the experience of bereavement.
Weekly easy-paced walks or gentle yoga sessions can help people experiencing loss and grief to be physically active in a supportive environment with other people who are dealing with the enormity of bereavement.
Who is it for?
TiG supports men and women (aged 16 years+) who have experienced bereavement, recently or at any time in the past.
What will I get out of it?
We know that being active can support mental health, and can be a particular help at times of bereavement. Walking in the fresh air provides many physical health benefits and it can lift spirits; while yoga can ease you into being more active, and relieve stress and anxiety. Many bereaved people also find support in being with others in a similar position – knowing that you are not the only one experiencing particular thoughts and feelings can be an incredible help. The aim of TiG is to provide safe and nurturing sessions for participants to experience the benefits of being active alongside other people in a similar position. We hope that, as happens at our other activity sessions, friendships will be formed and that it will be a positive, healing experience for both body and mind.
How have the sessions helped other people already?
Our TiG programmes have been supporting people since 2021 and the feedback is positive and confirms that the walks and yoga sessions are helping participants at a very difficult time. For example:
“Everything has felt so welcoming and well organised, from my first emailed enquiry to first session and beyond. [The walk leaders] are both knowledgeable, informative, supportive, friendly and approachable [and] have really enabled the group to gel together, enjoy the walks and get the most of the community time. […] Being bereaved can feel lonely at times, so to feel so welcomed and included when taking a bold step of joining a new group of unknown others can be key to returning. This I would say is something Fitmums and Friends embraces and promotes and I would recommend the Together in Grief walks to anyone.”
Sally, TiG walker
Where and when are the sessions?
Walks
Monday evening 6.30pm - Morton House, Morton Lane, Beverley
Wednesday morning 9.30am - The Art Gallery, in the Library at the University of Hull.
Yoga
Saturday morning 9.30am - Keldmarsh Primary School, Woodmansey Mile, Beverley.
Sessions are free, no need to book, just come along. For more details, please contact our programme coordinator heather@fitmums.org.uk.
Who leads the sessions?
TiG walks are led by trained walk leaders who make sure that the group stays together and that no one is left behind or on their own. The focus is on ‘walk and talk’ rather than a workout! Unique Fitmums and Friends systems are used to ensure everyone can walk at their own pace without worry about being left behind.
TiG yoga sessions are delivered by qualified yoga instructors. The gentle, therapeutic sessions are suitable for all abilities and can include chair yoga.
Our staff are not trained counsellors but facilitate the sessions so that participants can talk to each other and the leaders as much or as little as they like.
How much does it cost?
This programme is free to participants.
Fitmums and Friends offers a range of other activities as well as their bereavement programme, including walking and running groups, Nordic walking, cycling and even a choir. If you are interested in joining one of these please ask your walk leader for more details and they will be happy to help. If you would like a little extra support to get started at your local club, we have lots of ways we can help with that, we know it can be daunting to join a new group – but just ask us, we have many ways to support.
How can I take part?
You can either just come along or you can book a place directly using this link HERE
Please also feel free to contact us to find out more. We can have a chat with you to explain more about the sessions. We understand it can feel daunting to attend a new group, especially when also managing grief. So don't hesitate to let us know if you'd like a call. We can also make sure at your first visit that one of the team is there to look out for you.
Participants can also be referred to the programme by a GP, another medical professional, a friend or a family member.
If you have any questions about the programme, please contact heather@fitmums.org.uk.