The death of someone close to you can be emotionally devastating and is one of the hardest things to go through. Although there isn’t a quick fix for this, you can find plenty of bereavement support services in Dorset, who can help to guide you through the upheaval that comes with the loss of a loved one.
On this page, we have put together a guide to these services, including counselling services and telephone support lines. There are also a number of bereavement support groups across Dorset. Talking with someone who have recently gone through a similar experience and sharing advice can be comforting for both of you.
Dorset Bereavement Support Services
Bereavement Support Services From Hospices in Dorset
Bereavement Support is available from Dorset’s three hospices to people in the community. You will be able to receive support from them whether you have been previously associated with the hospice or not.
Forest Holme Hospice, Poole
Forest Holme Hospice offers a service called Living With Loss, which is a free Bereavement Information Event for anyone who has lost a partner or family member. This includes a 45 minute talk from a qualified bereavement therapist who will discuss the process of grief and the support available.
These sessions take place every Thursday from 10:00am to 12:00pm at St. Mary’s Church Centre in Poole. They also provide tea, coffee and biscuits.
To attend, you will need to book a spot by calling or emailing them using the details provided below.
- Telephone: 0300 019 8514
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: St Mary’s Church Centre, Longfleet Road, Poole, BH15 2JD
- Visit Website
Lewis Manning Hospice, Poole
Lewis Manning Hospice will support family members of their patients for a year after their bereavement which can include a safe space to be able to speak, advice and guidance.
They also offer a Bereavement Group on the first Friday of the month that allows you to come together with others to share experiences and support. You will be able to attend whether you are already a part of Lewis Manning Hospice or not, as they welcome anybody getting in contact for support.
You can find out more information by visiting the Lewis Manning website or getting in touch using the details provided below.
- Telephone: 01202 708470
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Longfleet House, 56 Longfleet Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2JD
- Visit Website
Weldmar Hospice, Poundbury
Weldmar Hospice’s qualified counsellors are able to provide bereavement and emotional support to their patients, as well as those who are important to them including their children and other family members.
They will initially offer six counselling sessions, which can be extended in some circumstances. Your counselling sessions will be confidential and can take place in person at their inpatient unit in Dorchester or Trimar House in Weymouth.
You can visit their website, or get in touch using the details provided below for further information.
- Telephone: 01305 215300
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Weldmar Hospicecare, Weldmar Offices, Hammick House, Poundbury, Dorset, DT1 3SD
- Visit Website
Bereavement Support Services from Charities in Dorset
CRUSE Bereavement Care
CRUSE is the UK’s largest bereavement charity and offers support to people who are going through bereavement all over the country. They have a range of services that are available to people in person, online and over the phone which include drop-in sessions and expert information.
You can contact Dorset’s local branch using the details provided below, or explore the CRUSE website to find out more on what they can offer you.
- National Helpline: 0808 808 1677
- Telephone (Dorset): 0300 7904055
- Contact Form (Dorset)
- Visit Website
Dorset Bereavement Support Groups
Forest Holme Hospice: Bereavement Café
Forest Holme Hospice’s Pop In Bereavement Café invites anyone who has lost a loved one to come along. Run by dedicated support volunteers, Pop In Bereavement Café is an informal gathering bringing the local community together to connect with others who have experienced or are experiencing grief.
Pop In Bereavement Café provides an opportunity to meet new people in a relaxed and safe environment. This can lead to new friendships and the opportunity to socialise and explore feelings of grief and find the support you need.
They work to ensure that everyone who comes to the Pop In Bereavement Café, feels relaxed and benefits from meeting others with similar experiences over a cuppa and a slice of cake, provided free of charge.
Pop In Bereavement Café is suitable from 3 months following a bereavement. There is no need to book – simply turn up and you will be met at the door by one of their experienced volunteers.
If you’d like more information in advance, you can visit the website or get in touch using the telephone number provided below.
- Telephone: 01202 670644
- Where? SML Church Centre, Kingston Road, Poole, BH15 2LP
- When? First Monday of the month, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
- Visit Website
The Jolly Dollies
The Jolly Dollies are a support network especially for women who have lost their life partners and are on the same emotional journey. This is a growing National Community started by widows for widows.
This initiative helps to build new friendships with a sense of belonging and understanding as people work through their difficult periods of bereavement.
In Dorset, there are support groups available in Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and Weymouth.
You can find out more information by visiting the website or getting in touch using the contact details below. The Jolly Dollies charge a nominal annual fee of £20 to help cover costs.
Just Friends
Just Friends is a monthly social get-together for people who have been bereaved or whose loved one is in hospital or residential care.
The group gives people the opportunity to enjoy some company and a meal, whilst making new friendship and sharing experience with people in similar positions.
You can visit their website or get in touch using the contact details below for more information.
- Where? St Clement’s Church Hall, St Clement's Road, Poole, BH12 4PE
- When? Second Sunday of the month, 2:00pm - 4:30pm
- Telephone: 01202 733390
- Visit Website
You may also like to take a look at our section on Dealing with Death and Grief which shares useful advice that we have learned when times are tough.
