Back in December, we launched something new at The Loss Foundation: the Founding 500.
It’s a simple idea.
A community of people giving £5 a month to help keep our specialist grief support free for anyone bereaved by cancer.
Today, we’re 80 people strong.
Eighty people choosing to stand alongside those grieving after cancer and help ensure they have somewhere to turn.
And already, that support is making a difference.
Just launched…
Our Welcome packs will be sent out to all our Founding 500 members at the end of the month.
Look out for our email.
What our Founding 500 made possible this month
In the past month alone, support from our community helped make possible:
- 11 online support groups
- 1 specialist ‘Guilt in Grief’ workshop
- Over 50 responses to people reaching out for support
Each of those moments represents someone taking a first step towards not facing grief alone.
And behind those moments are people like James*.
* name changed
James’ story
When James joined one of our support groups, it was the first time he had spoken about his partner’s death since the funeral.
Like many men, he had been trying to cope on his own.
Research shows that men are significantly less likely to seek support when grieving, yet are at higher risk of isolation, depression, and suicide following bereavement.
For James – and for many others who come through our doors – these spaces offer something they haven’t found elsewhere:
a place where grief is understood without explanation.
People who attend our groups often describe them in words like these:
“I couldn’t survive without this charity. You have been instrumental in saving my life.”
“The support and space to have contact with others in the same position as myself is priceless.”
“I have felt so alone the last few months and your groups have been such a support and comfort.”
This is what £5 a month helps make possible.
“The Loss Foundation began from the grief of my father’s death. Today, we support thousands every year.
That something so life-changing for many has come from the death of my favourite person is both beautiful and bittersweet.”
– Dr Erin Hope Thompson
Why we’re now aiming for 120 supporters
Right now, we’re working towards our next milestone: 120 members of the Founding 500.
That means 40 more people choosing to give £5 a month.
Those 40 people will help us:
- Recruit and train new volunteers
- Open up more spaces in our support groups
- Ensure more people like James can find support when they need it most
Demand for grief support continues to grow.
More people are reaching out to us every week.
And as a small charity, sustained monthly support helps us build something we urgently need: a stable foundation for the future of this work.
Could you be one of the next 40?
if you believe no one should have to face cancer grief alone, you could help us take this next step.
By joining the Founding 500 with a gift of £5 a month, you’ll help keep our support running week in and week out for people who need it most.
