Life and Loss

It can be hard to know what to do or say when it comes to grief. Here are some resources to help.

Page last updated 25th February 2025

In life, we put a lot of emphasis on celebrating big milestones like birth and marriage. But for a lot of us, death feels much more difficult. It can be hard to know what to say, and many of us shy away from difficult conversations around grief and loss.

The Life and Loss Cafe is a space for people to speak about death, and share their experience no matter where they are in their grief. It’s monthly at the LS14 Trust Cafe, and everyone is welcome.

“I found the group welcoming and comforting being with other people that have been through such difficult times too. Mags and Joanna that run this group are such amazing people and are very understanding. I now know it's okay to cry and talk about our personal experiences however hard they may be.” - Lisa, Life and Loss group participant

While everyone’s story is individual, this is a safe environment for all ages, where you can feel supported to share your story and find that you’re not alone.

Joanna Quigley is a nurse in the local area, and helps run Life and Loss. She wants to help end the stigma of talking about death. “If you’re thinking about putting a funeral plan in place for yourself - write it down,” says Joanna, “and have it somewhere your family can find it. It saves so much heartache, and puts you in control right to the end of your life.”

You are invited to our monthly safe space to hold tender conversations.

We meet monthly, on a Wednesday 6-7.30pm at the LS14 Trust Cafe.

Tea, coffee and biscuits provided…

With thanks to Being You Leeds.

To find out more, and the date of the next Cafe, get in touch with Mags:

[email protected]

07484515520

When someone dies it can be overwhelming. Here are some resources to help with the practical next steps.

Tell Us Once is a service that lets you tell multiple government organisations at once about a death. The Tell Us Once service can be accessed through GOV.uk or on 0800 085 7308.

www.bereavementadvice.org - a website offering lots of advice and links to relevant services from how to register a death, legal information, funeral planning and where to find bereavement support

www.leedsdirectory.org - A central website to find information, resources and support

www.st-gemma.co.uk - Bereavement support for people who have used St Gemma's services

www.carersleeds.org.uk - Support for bereaved carers

www.calmandcentred.co.uk - Culturally competent bereavement support

[email protected] - Therapeutic support for bereavement

www.childbereavementuk.org - support for child bereavement

www.leedsmind.org.uk/suicide-bereavement-services-west-yorkshire - Compassionate peer support for anyone including children affected by suicide

Local Funeral Directors

www.hughesfuneralservices.co.uk

www.wmdodgson.co.uk

www.coop.co.uk

www.purecremation.co.uk

www.thomasonsfunerals.co.uk

www.fullcirclefunerals.co.uk

Services and activities

A cup of tea and a chat can turn a bad day into a better one. There are lots of ways you can reach out if you're struggling with loss. Why not try a well-being group? It's a great way to get social, and try something new in a safe environment.