We know how much courage it takes to show up for something like this.

These calls are a space for honesty, tenderness, and connection where you can be however you are that day.

This guide is here to help everyone feel safe, supported, and respected while we share the space together. There’s no right or wrong way to grieve, and no “perfect” way to be in the group. Only a shared commitment to kindness, respect, and care for one another.

What to Expect

Our group calls are gently guided by a facilitator who’s here to hold space, offer prompts, and keep the conversation flowing. 

Each call usually follows a simple rhythm:

1. Welcome and invitation check-in via the chat accompanied by a short breathe-work exercise. Your host at the beginning of each call will walk you through the platform and how to use it safely and appropriately as well as some general code of conduct rules to keep our interaction and time together safe.

2. Guided topic or reflection for the session (This will sit in the information text box of the group calls page on the website for you to view before the call begins so you are aware).

3. The circle will open for sharing and reflections. This part is of course not mandatory but is encouraged!

4. Closing with breathe-work exercise and gentle reminders of aftercare post our call. 

You’re always welcome to share, or simply listen, both are equally valuable parts of the space.

Group Etiquette

To help us all feel safe and connected, here are a few gentle agreements we hold as a community:

• The format of when we open the circle for conversation is intentional. We take our time and go round one by one of whomever has their hands up to share. This is to ensure you can listen without feeling the need to respond. Please do not interrupt someone when they are speaking and if you would like to respond to someone’s sharing or add on, you are encouraged to place your hand up using the hands up feature.

• Calls may have a large amount of attendees, calls may be smaller. This means that not every person who wants to verbally share might be able to.  With this in mind, if you are coming to the calls with the hope to share verbally, please put your hand up using the hands up feature once we open up the circle for conversation as early as possible.

• This is a shared group call. Please keep this in mind as we share to ensure we leave time for others who would like to speak too. This does not mean you need to rush or skip over parts of your sharing, but holding a general mindfulness for your fellow attendees.

• It is your responsibility to diarise the calls you wish to attend. Email reminders will not be sent!

• Confidentiality is key. What’s shared here, stays here. Please join our calls from a private space where possible and if you are in public, please join with headphones if you are in a shared space.

• There is no fixing, comparing, or giving advice unless it’s asked for. Everyone’s grief is different and we celebrate that in these groups.

• It’s okay to just listen. There’s no pressure to speak or have the “right” words in these spaces. But of course speaking and sharing is encouraged!

• Cameras on are encouraged, but not required. Please stay muted when not speaking to keep the space calm.

• Please arrive on time so we can settle in together and maintain flow.

• Any discriminative language or behaviour shown in a support group will result in an immediate removal from the call and further discussion regarding your membership status. 

• Please refrain from sharing in-depth detail about potentially triggering material such as nature/cause of death. This is not a request for you to not share how your loved one died as we know this is integral to all of our stories, all we ask is that you refrain from sharing in-depth detail that could perhaps be quite harmful to your fellow attendees.

Caring for Yourself

Grief spaces can stir a lot up, and that’s completely okay.

• You can turn your camera off, mute, or step away at any point. Listen to your body and needs. Don’t force yourself to sit through something you can’t in that moment.

• Bring what helps you feel comfortable — a drink, tissues, a blanket, chocolate!

• After the call, take a moment to breathe or do something grounding before moving on with your day. Finding a post group call ritual that works for you is integral!
  

If anything feels too heavy during the session, you can message the facilitator privately or step away and return whenever you’re ready.

Our Shared Values

These are the principles we build our circles on:

• We listen without judgment.

• We speak from our own experience.

• We respect silence and emotion.

• We hold space for every form of grief.

• We protect one another’s privacy.

Kindness, compassion and respect is in the foundation of our work at Grief Gang and we expect the same from every member. We ask that you come to each group call with an open mind and heart. Take what we need and leave the rest. Let’s celebrate our indifferences in grief and navigating it rather than scrutinising or judging. 

Practical Bits

• It is your responsibility to diarise the calls you wish to attend. Email reminders will not be sent!

• Please join the call a few minutes early if you can so you are settled before we begin promptly.

• Calls typically last 1 hour and 15 minutes (with a buffer 5 minutes in case we run over). Some calls may fulfil their time, some may go over or finish earlier depending on sizing of the call.

• All sessions are hosted on Zoom or Google Meet — link and joining info are shared in the description box of each call.

Safety & Boundaries

• These support groups are not a substitute for traditional therapy or counselling. These groups are peer to peer community support. By joining these groups you understand this. Your host will not ‘advise’ any member on their circumstances and will simply hold the space as well as you in this call.

• If you are struggling and need support in finding traditional therapeutic support, you can check out our resources section of the membership to find a resource that can help you. Alternatively, you can always email thegriefgang@gmail.com for assistance in this and we will support you where we can. 

If at any point you feel distressed or unsafe, please reach out for immediate support:

• Samaritans (UK): 116 123 (24/7, free)

• Shout Crisis Text Line (UK): Text SHOUT to 85258

• International resources: findahelpline.com — for global crisis support