Don’t Go It Alone, a bereavement support group in Kendal, will re-launch at CancerCare Kendal on Tuesday 2nd December 2025 from 2pm to 4pm and will be held every Tuesday at the same time.
The peer support group was first started in April 2024 and was originally aimed at people affected by both loss and cancer; however, it is being reinstated as a bereavement-specific group.
Attendees do not need to be referred or book to attend. The aim of these drop-in sessions is to provide people with a safe, relaxed and supportive space where they can meet others going through similar experiences.
Don’t Go It Alone will continue to be run by CancerCare client and volunteer Una Bell, whose husband Geoff died of bowel cancer in 2023. A few weeks after his initial diagnosis in October 2022, both Geoff and Una came to CancerCare Kendal for support.
After Geoff’s passing, Una wanted to share her experiences of grief with others while exploring the feelings of loneliness she was facing. With CancerCare’s support, she kick-started Don’t Go It Alone.
The re-launch will take place during National Grief Awareness Week (2nd–8th December 2025).
Una said: “Both Geoff and I were immediately struck by the care, compassion and understanding afforded to us both. CancerCare offered us one-to-one counselling which proved invaluable as we came to terms with Geoff’s diagnosis. Geoff’s final days came unexpectedly and all too quickly, and he died on 19th June 2023. About six weeks after his death I began bereavement counselling, which again I found invaluable in coming to terms with his untimely death.
“When my bereavement counselling came to an end, I felt completely lost and began searching for further bereavement support in the community; it became clear that there was nothing out there! Despite having the love and support of my amazing family and friends, I felt lonely, lost and isolated and desperate to meet with others who truly understood.
“Don’t Go It Alone was borne out of a genuine wish to help others whilst, at the same time, helping myself come to terms with the death of my husband.
“In our first year, Don’t Go It Alone welcomed 36 people. We have shared stories, tears and laughter. The group will continue to provide an informal, friendly and supportive environment in a safe and comfortable space.”