Finding Support and Connection in Grief
Join us for our Walk and Talks across Northampton, where you’ll find a supportive environment for individuals who have experienced the loss of a loved one to cancer.
Our Walk and Talks provide an opportunity to connect with others who understand.
Lasting approximately 90 minutes, these walks are designed to foster conversation and companionship along scenic routes.
To ensure an intimate setting, we limit the number of Participants in each group.
Explore our upcoming Northampton Walk and Talks. Register now and join others who’ve experienced something similar.
Upcoming Walks in Northampton
Events
List of events in Photo View
Upcoming Nationwide Walks
Events
List of events in Photo View
No local walks coming up soon? These online events are open to all
Here’s what previous Walk and Talk Participants have said about their experience…
“I’ve found the Loss foundation to be a conduit for connection. Yesterday was a very rewarding walk and well worth the 4 hour round trip to get there. A beautiful location, excellent planning by Teri the volunteer, so thoughtful of everyone’s comfort (it was a very hot day!) and inclusive of everyone” – Walk and Talk Participant
“It was most useful to… receive hugs if upset without asking. Probably the first time that’s happened in over a year for me” – Walk and Talk Participant
“I’ve been to zoom groups but the walk and talk has been the best event I’ve attended so far” – Walk and Talk Participant
“I learned from the walk and talk that being with people who have lost partners is the most important to me” – Walk and Talk Participant
Join Our Facebook Groups
You can now connect with others who share similar experiences of loss in our Facebook Community groups for individuals who’ve lost a parent or partner to cancer. If you feel like sharing a thought, frustration, or just want to express what you’re feeling, these groups are always open.
Meet Our Compassionate Walk and Talk Hosts
Our hosts bring empathy to each Walk and Talk. Before leading a walk, our hosts undergo comprehensive training provided by our team, ensuring they are well-equipped to lead the event.
During the walks, our hosts play a vital role in creating a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. They are there to greet you upon arrival, lead the group along the route, and facilitate conversations among Participants. However, they understand that not everyone may feel like speaking, and there is never any pressure to do so.
Several of our Walk and Talk hosts have personally experienced the loss of a loved one to cancer, bringing first-hand understanding and empathy to their support.
After each walk, our hosts provide valuable feedback to our team, helping us continually improve our services to better meet the needs of our community. Rest assured, all our hosts undergo thorough DBS checks for your peace of mind.
You can easily spot our hosts at the meeting point as they will be holding a sign and wearing a distinctive lanyard. Their understanding nature aims to make your experience as comforting as possible.
Interested in becoming a Walk and Talk host?
We welcome individuals who are passionate about supporting others through their grief journey. There are no set hours, but we kindly ask hosts to commit to leading two walks a year. If you’re considering volunteering, please reach out to us for more information on how you can make a meaningful difference.
Email us on: hello@thelossfoundation.org
For any other questions about our Walk and Talks, contact our team on 0300 200 4112 or by email on hello@thelossfoundation.org.
Walk & Talk FAQs
Definitely not. The event is about being together, spending time with others who have experienced similar things, and being outdoors. It’s not about being fit or racing.
Please note that we do not allow guests unless you let us know in advance (as we are capping the number of attendees for each walk).
Pets and children are also not able to attend.
Our wonderful charity team is expanding and we are looking to take on more compassionate, reliable and conscientious volunteers with an interest in walking and helping others.
Walk and Talk volunteer roles involve facilitating a social get together / walk for people whose loved ones have died from cancer or Covid-19. This largely involves being the meet and greet person for those attending. Volunteers are welcome to design the get together (choosing a location locally) or we can help you do so. The walks are very informal and relaxed, and are targeted at bringing people together rather than having to cover many miles. Get togethers normally last 1 hour.
We will provide full training for the role and supervision. We ask for at least a 1-year commitment, which involves facilitating up to 3-6 walks a year.
If you are interested in becoming one of our Walking Volunteers please email our Charity Administrator, at hello@thelossfoundation.org with a letter of interest.
Applicants will be invited to an informal chat with some of the charity’s team to discuss the role further.
Our other support services
We provide regular online support groups – a place to share stories and experiences with others who’ve walked the path of cancer bereavement. Our incredible volunteers lead these peer support groups creating a warm, safe space for you to share, a space where your voice matters.
Our free grief support workshops focus on different aspects of grief to help you understand more about the areas where you’re struggling the most and how to support yourself through it. And all of our workshops are hosted online to make them accessible to people in all corners of the country.
Connect, our one-on-one talking service, is akin to a Buddy System. The goal of Connect is to pair up individuals who’ve experienced similar losses for supportive conversations, meaningful connections, and perhaps even the start of a friendship.
Our free 12-week bereavement therapy groups are led by our team psychologists, and offer content with each session focusing on a specific aspect of the grieving experience, such as challenging thoughts or memories, sleep issues, anxiety, and more.