A new drop-in service that aims to provide a space for people to come together and talk about their experience of grief is opening in St Ives this week.

Grief Kind Spaces are weekly, in-person drop-in sessions that provide a safe, informal, and supportive place for people to come together and share their experiences of grief, helping attendees to feel heard and less alone.

The county’s fourth Sue Ryder Grief Kind Space will launch on Friday, August 2, and run weekly from 10am-midday at Morrisons in Needingworth Road, St Ives.

The palliative and bereavement support charity also currently hosts spaces in Girton, Wisbech, and Peterborough.

Laura Venning is the Sue Ryder Grief Kind Space area coordinator for Cambridgeshire and she said: “Sue Ryder’s vision is to provide grief support for everyone who needs it, and I am delighted that with the support of our hosts Morrisons St Ives we can open another Grief Kind Space providing more vital bereavement support to more people in Cambridgeshire.

“Our Grief Kind Spaces are welcoming, inclusive, and open to anyone over 18 who has experienced any kind of bereavement at any time.

"Whether you want to attend regularly to connect with others in similar situations or drop in for a quick chat you will receive a warm welcome. There is no need to register - just pop along."

The opening of the St Ives Sue Ryder Grief Kind Space will be followed by the launch of a fifth space in Huntingdon at Dobbies Garden Centre Café every Monday from 10am – midday from September 9.

To find out more about becoming a Grief Kind Space volunteer visit:  sueryder.org/GKVolunteer or email GriefKindSpaces@sueryder.org

Sue Ryder Grief Kind Spaces is not a counselling service. Anyone seeking more formal support can use Sue Ryder’s existing Online Bereavement Counselling Service and other support services.