"There is always hope": Finding solace in Northamptonshire bereavement group
Bringing light to life's darkest moments through community engagement
A woman from Northamptonshire has set-up a new bereavement support group to offer a non-judgemental and supportive space for those dealing with loss and illness in the community.
Natalie Wood, founder of the community support group 'Light After Dark', started the initiative after losing her brother, Sam, in 2023 to mental health and addiction.
Natalie reflected: ''Everything that I went through when I lost Sam was horrific and I wasn't coping very well and I thought I need to do something in his memory.''
Her journey through grief inspired her to fundraise for Northamptonshire Mind and establish the support group, which provides community meets and nature walks to support others with grief and to help reduce isolation.
''Sometimes opening up to strangers is a lot easier than talking to people that are closest to us.''
What began with coffee meet-ups has since evolved and Natalie is now organising therapeutic clay workshops and other creative activities. By collaborating with other like-minded groups, Natalie aims to extend healing to diverse members of her community.
Natalie expressed the benefits of being outside and enjoying nature as a way to cope with loss and grief. Natalie said: "Being in nature is one of the biggest therapies. It can really be beneficial – not just for our mental health, but our physical health."
Inspired by the image of a lighthouse, Woods says the group's logo perfectly represents what the group stands for – a symbol of hope and guidance. “A lighthouse shows there’s light in the darkness,” she said. “It reminds people there’s hope and direction, even in difficult times.”
Emphasising inclusivity, Natalie ensures events remain accessible to everyone, regardless of their background, experience, or current challenges: "It's open to everyone, you don't have to talk, and even if you just want to sit with a coffee... that's okay." She added.
The group intends to create a network of local support by drawing in people from various walks of life. Natalie said: ''We have people who’ve lost loved ones, people living with brain tumours, and others who simply need an outlet – somewhere they can go and feel supported.''
For more information about Light After Dark or to get involved with upcoming events, visit Light After Dark or follow the group on social media for updates.