A Harrogate widow who founded a bereavement support group following the death of her husband says she hopes nobody has to face grief alone.
After losing her husband Brian in March 2025 following a short illness, Ann Lambert found herself searching for informal support from others who truly understood what she was going through.
Unable to find the kind of peer support she was looking for, she decided to create it herself.
What began as a Facebook group has since grown into Navigating Grief Together – In Memory of Brian Lambert, a free community-led bereavement support group that now holds twice-weekly gatherings in Harrogate and welcomes people from across the district and beyond.
Ann said:
"Without Brian there would never have been a Navigating Grief Together.
"Although the group was born from my own loss, it has always been, and always will be, his legacy."
Brian served in the British Army for 24 years before working as a civil servant, but Ann says he will always be remembered for his ability to bring people together.
She added:
"He could walk into a room of many people who had never met and, within minutes, have everyone chatting and laughing as though they had been friends for years."
The group now meets every Monday and Thursday, offering a relaxed, café-style environment where there is no pressure for people to speak.
Support is also available over the phone, with volunteers meeting anxious newcomers for a coffee before their first visit if needed.
The group also organises social events, provides signposting to specialist organisations and is trialling a Sunday morning drop-in for people who have lost a parent.
Attendees range in age from 18 to almost 90, with people travelling from Harrogate, Ripon, Skipton and Tockwith to attend.
Ann said:
"Our gatherings are intentionally different. There is no intimidating circle of chairs and no pressure to speak.
"People walk into a welcoming café-style room, receive a personal welcome and join in at their own pace."
As the group approaches its first anniversary, Ann hopes to establish similar gatherings in Ripon and Skipton while working towards becoming a Community Interest Company to help secure its future.
A special anniversary recognition evening will be held on Monday 24th August, with the Mayor of Harrogate expected to attend alongside invited community organisations and supporters.
Reflecting on the journey, Ann said:
"It began with one simple idea: nobody should have to face bereavement alone.
"Every time I see strangers become friends, I see a little of Brian in the room.
"That, to me, is the greatest tribute I could ever give him, and it is why 'Navigating Grief Together – In Memory of Brian Lambert' will always carry his name."
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