What is Together in Grief?

Together in Grief (TiG) is a programme that supports people after they’ve lost loved ones. It offers 10 weeks of easy-paced walks or gentle yoga sessions. The idea is to 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 in Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire who have experienced bereavement, recently or at any time in the past. If you do not live in this area but feel you would benefit from some supportive exercise sessions, please contact us on admin@fitmums.org.uk – we can help in other ways.

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 the 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 fitness 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 for some time now. 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 & Friends embraces and promotes and I would recommend the Together in Grief walks to anyone.”
Sally, TiG walker

For more feedback, hear from the members of our first TiG walking group here and read what they have to say here.

Where and when are the sessions?

The walks and yoga sessions take place in various locations across Hull and East Yorkshire, in the daytime as well as evenings.

For details of dates and venues, please contact our programme coordinator on heather@fitmums.org.uk.

Who leads the sessions? Will I be able to keep up?

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. And the focus is on ‘walk and talk’ rather than a workout!

TiG yoga sessions are delivered by a qualified yoga teacher. The gentle, therapeutic sessions are suitable for all abilities.

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. It also includes free membership of Fitmums & Friends (for the remainder of the membership year) so that you can continue to be active with others at your local club after the programme has finished. 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 – just ask us.

How can I take part?

To take part, please email our programme coordinator on heather@fitmums.org.uk or complete this form. 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 our programme coordinator on heather@fitmums.org.uk.