Bereavement support
Oakhaven wellbeing
"I found help in finding ‘new normal’ life after the death of my husband."
Guidance and support for those who have lost a loved one
Bereavement support at Oakhaven
If you are living with a loss you are very welcome to drop in to the Coates Centre at any time. We are open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and our trained volunteers are here for you, to chat with you over a cuppa and to listen. You are welcome to bring a friend or family member. You do not need a referral from a health professional to come along.
We appreciate it may not be an easy decision to attend. We are here to support you.
Each month the team of staff and volunteers at Oakhaven Wellbeing organise a number of support groups and social activities at the Coates Centre in Lymington. Find full details here.
For more information, please contact us by email at wellbeing@oakhavenhospice.co.uk or call 01590 677198.
Oakhaven Wellbeing bereavement support available to all in our community
Bereavement Support Group
1st Wednesday of each month, drop-in 10:30-12:00
Connect with others who have experienced a loss and discover more about our bereavement support services over a cuppa. Our trained team are here to listen. You are welcome to bring a friend or family member.
Widowed Friendship Club
Regular socials and events
A social group run by widowed men and women. Coffee mornings, lunches, walks and outings, such as visits to the theatre - and a Fish and Chip supper on the fourth Friday each month. Meet and socialise with people who understand.
Cookery Classes
6-Week course
A cookery course for anyone bereaved who finds themselves having to prepare meals for the first time. Learn basic cooking skills alongside others in a friendly and safe environment, then enjoy together the meal your have created. Booking essential!
Signposting for bereavement support
Bereavement support for adults:
- National Bereavement Service: 0800 024 6121. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 10am-2pm.
- Bereavement Advice Centre: 0800 634 9494. Practical help when someone dies.
- Sue Ryder: Online bereavement support.
- Macmillan: Telephone: 0808 808 0000 (free from landlines and mobiles within the UK).
- Samaritans: 116 123
- WAY Widowed and Young. For those widowed under 50 years old. WAY is the only national charity in the UK for people aged 50 or under when their partner died. It’s a peer-to-peer support group operating with a network of volunteers who have been bereaved at a young age themselves, so they understand exactly what other members are going through.
- WAY UP Widowed and Young Up. For those widowed aged 50 years and above.
- The Silver Line. Call free on 0800 470 8090. The Silver Line Helpline is a free, confidential telephone service just for older people. providing friendship, conversation and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- CRUSE Bereavement Care: telephone 0808 808 1677.
- The Jolly Dollies: a social network for widows.
- The Good Grief Trust: support and advice.
- The Beginning Experience: advice and information about the loss of a partner.
- Extra Grace Required: my first year as a widow - 10 things I have learned.
- Child Death Helpline: 0808 800 6019. Practical advice 9am-5pm.
- Compassionate Friends: Specialist support for bereaved parents and their families. 0345 123 2304. helpline@tcf@org.uk.
- Sands: 0808 164 3332. Pregnancy loss or the death of a baby
- Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide: 0300 111 5065 (9am-7pm)
- Marie Curie: 0800 090 2309. All aspects of end of life and bereavement.
For private counselling visit the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Bereavement support for children and young people:
- Winstons Wish: the UK’s first childhood bereavement charity, supporting grieving children and young people since 1992. Winston's Wish provides specialist child bereavement support services across the UK, emotional and practical bereavement support to children, young people and those who care for them. Winston's Wish offers one-off and ongoing bereavement support and also provides online resources, specialist publications and training for professionals. Free helpline: 08088 020021 (open Monday to Friday, 8 am - 8 pm)
- Grief Encounter: national specialist children’s bereavement service. Free helpline: 0808 802 0111 for immediate support (open weekdays 9 am to 9 pm)
- Simon Says: Hampshire-based charity, working with children pre-bereavement and in bereavement.
- Mosaic: Dorset-based charity, specialising in child bereavement including loss through suicide, murder and illness.
- Child bereavement UK: provides confidential support, information and guidance to individuals, families and professionals throughout the UK. The support team is available to respond to calls, Live Chat and email from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, except Bank Holidays. Telephone: 0800 028 8840.
For private counselling visit the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Coping with grief at Christmas
Coping with grief at Christmas Christmas is associated with joy and celebration. A time when, traditionally, people spend time with their families and loved ones. This can be difficult for those spending Christmas alone, particularly as preparations seem to start well before Christmas. For those who are grieving, Christmas can intensify feelings of loss and […]
Read MoreBoost your wellbeing with Sing for Joy!
Sing for Joy at the Coates Centre to boost your wellbeing! Are you navigating a life-limiting illness, caring for someone or living with a loss or bereavement? Unlock your inner joy by coming along to this friendly singing group, led by Leigh – no prior experience required! Learn ways to warm up and use your […]
Read MoreMindfulness maintenance: fortnightly session at the Coates Centre
Continue your mindfulness practice fortnightly at the Coates Centre If you are affected by a life-limiting illness, are a carer or are living with a loss or bereavement, we are here to support you. This session is for experienced meditators who are familiar with a regular sitting practice and that have completed Oakhaven’s 6-week Introduction […]
Read MoreA gentle introduction to mindfulness, NEW 6-week course
A gentle introduction to mindfulness at the Coates Centre If you are affected by a life-limiting illness, are a carer or are living with a loss or bereavement, we are here to support you. Our 6-week course, led by Ron Sharpe, is aimed at developing an understanding of how bringing mindfulness to aspects of our […]
Read MoreStress Less for Wellbeing – NEW 8 week course starts 13th April
Stress less for wellbeing: a new 8-week course in April 2026 Stress can affect us all in a variety of different ways. Our 8-week series of workshops explores the impact of stress on our overall daily well-being. Open to everyone in our New Forest, Totton and Waterside community, it provides an opportunity for you to […]
Read MoreManaging Insomnia Workshop
Join our workshop to help manage your insomnia Are you navigating a life-limiting illness, caring for someone or living with a loss or bereavement? Are you beyond tired? Cannot think straight? Experiencing interrupted sleep? Join us at the Coates Centre on Wednesday, 19th November, to evaluate your current sleep habits, explore natural remedies and discover […]
Read MoreChair yoga at the Coates Centre
A new chair yoga class at the Coates Centre Are you navigating a life-limiting illness, caring for someone or living with a loss or bereavement? Enjoy gentle seated movement, visualisation and breathing with yoga teacher Diana. Helps improve mobility and wellbeing. Wear comfy clothing. Places limited, booking essential. 24th September22nd October26th November24th December Book today! […]
Read MoreMeet-chat-jot: creative writing for wellbeing
A new journaling social group to help boost your wellbeing Are you navigating a life-limiting illness, caring for someone or living with a loss or bereavement? NEW this autumn is Meet-Chat-Jot! Join us for uplifting, practical sessions exploring the power of journaling to boost clarity, creativity and emotional wellbeing. Peta Butcher will be facilitating our […]
Read MoreJoin the Art Class in our Art Room!
Join our art class to boost your wellbeing! Are you navigating a life-limiting illness, caring for someone or living with a loss or bereavement? Our weekly art group offers more than creativity; it provides a gentle, supportive space where people can meet together. Through meeting, chatting, and connecting, participants find comfort, self-expression, and shared understanding. […]
Read MoreLife changes? Make sure your Will is up to date!
September is Write a Will Month! Book your appointment from 18th August. Life changes? Make sure your Will is up to date! Your life is full of milestones; house purchases, marriage, children or divorce…to ensure that your wishes remain current, you should keep it updated – why not utilise our Write A Will Month to make those […]
Read More

. 
