Gently walking through grief together
- in-person meetups -Walking was something that really helped me in the early days after losing Tilly. I would put my headphones in, listen to music and walk the streets, often crying my eyes out as I went.
It felt so cathartic. I could feel some of the tension leaving my body. Those gentle walks also became a time when I would talk to Tilly and feel close to her.
But I was walking alone.Our in-person meetups bring grieving pet parents together so you don't have to. We walk side by side, share feelings and stories, sometimes cry, sometimes laugh, and spend time with people who understand the heartbreak of losing a beloved pet.
You don't have to walk through your grief alone.Monthly meetups in Brighton · Free to attend
You might be wondering
"What if I don’t know anyone?"
"What if I feel nervous?"
"What if I get emotional?"
"Will I feel like I belong?"
Whatever you're feeling, you're welcome here.
A friendly face and a gentle start
- a warm welcome -We know it can feel daunting to walk into a new group, especially when you're grieving.
From the moment you arrive, you'll be warmly welcomed.You won't need to know anyone beforehand or worry about fitting in. We'll help you settle in, introduce you to the group and make sure you feel included from the very beginning.
"The meetup was absolutely lovely, and I'm so glad I came along. It felt comforting to be with people who really understood."
Caroline, lost her cat, Dizzee
- no judgement. no expectations. no timeline. -Walk at your own pace. Grieve at your own pace.
There's no right way to experience grief, and there's no right way to take part in a meetup.
Walk, talk, cry, laugh, share memories or simply enjoy being with people who understand.
You won't be judged.
You won't be rushed.
You won't be told how to feel.
You won't be asked to move on.
What actually happens in a meetup
A warm welcome
We meet at our pre-arranged meeting point and take a few moments to settle in. You'll be warmly welcomed, introduced to everyone and given time to feel comfortable before we set off together.
A gentle walk, shared with people who understand the loneliness of pet loss.
A gentle check-in
As everyone joins, we take a moment to settle in. You'll be invited to share how you're feeling through our simple emotional check-in, helping everyone feel welcomed, understood, and supported from the very start.
Side by side, at your own pace
Once everyone has arrived, we set off together on a gentle walk. Walking side by side makes conversation feel natural, and people soon begin sharing stories, memories and feelings about their beloved pets.
Your pet. Your grief. Your story.
Everyone has the opportunity to introduce themselves, share who they've lost, and talk about whatever is on their heart, whether that's guilt, loneliness, special memories, or simply how much they miss their beloved companion.
People who get it
After everyone has had the opportunity to share, the conversation opens naturally to talk about all things pet loss. As people share their experiences, there's often a sense of relief in realising that others understand exactly how they're feeling & that they’re not alone in their grief.
One small step forward
Before we finish, we reflect on one gentle thing we can do to support ourselves during the week ahead. Something small, meaningful, and manageable for wherever you are in your grief. There's no right or wrong answer. Just whatever feels comforting for you right now.
A sense of belonging
Along the way, we stop for a drink before finding somewhere peaceful to sit together, often by the sea. Stories, photos and memories are shared, with space for tears and laughter. It’s a chance to feel part of a community that truly gets it.
A little lighter than before
When the meetup comes to an end, everyone heads home in their own time. Many people leave feeling a little lighter, more understood and grateful for the connections they’ve made. For many, those connections continue beyond the meetup.
Ready to join us?
THE NEXT MEETUP
Saturday 12th September
12pm - 2pm · Brighton, UK
Free to attend
A gentle walk with people who understandThere's something about being physically present
- why in-person can help -IT GIVES YOU SPACE TO BREATHE
Grief can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re carrying so much on your own. Gentle movement, fresh air and being around others who understand can give you space to breathe and let some of what you’re carrying out.
While our online support offers comfort and connection, there’s something different about being physically around others who understand.
Fresh air, gentle movement and simply being together can bring a different kind of comfort on difficult days.
Sometimes, it just helps to be around people who get it.It creates gentle connection.
Walking side by side can feel easier than sitting face to face. Conversations happen naturally, without pressure or expectation. Some people talk throughout the walk. Others simply listen. Both are welcome.
CONVERSATIONS FLOW NATURALLY
Walking side by side can feel easier than sitting face to face. Conversations often unfold naturally as stories, memories and feelings about our pets are shared.
It helps rebuild lost routines.
For many grieving pet parents, the loss of a beloved companion also means the loss of daily walks and familiar routines. These meetups offer a gentle way to reconnect with movement, structure, and the rhythm of being outdoors again.
IT BRINGS A LITTLE RHYTHM BACK
Losing a beloved pet can also mean losing daily walks, familiar routines and a sense of structure. Getting outside and moving together can bring a little rhythm back to a difficult day.
YOU FEEL LESS ALONE AND MORE CONNECTED
Being with people who really understand pet loss can be incredibly comforting. There’s a safe space to cry, laugh, remember your pet and simply be yourself with people who get it.
It helps you feel less alone.
Being alongside others who understand pet loss can be incredibly comforting. Many people leave feeling lighter, more understood, and reassured that they don't have to carry their grief on their own.
Coming from further afield?Why not make a day of it?
If you're travelling from further afield, you could make a gentle day of it by the coast.
Arrive a little earlier for breakfast or a wander before meeting us at 12pm. After the meetup finishes at 2pm, there’s plenty of time to enjoy the beach, explore Brighton or simply spend some quiet time by the sea.
A day by the sea, with people who understand.
- if this feels like something you need -Take a gentle first step and join us
If you feel ready, you're warmly welcome to join us and spend some time with people who understand what you're going through.
You don’t have to walk alone.Still not sure if a meetup feels right for you?
That’s OK. It’s natural to feel nervous about coming to your first meetup, especially if you’re grieving or coming alone.
There’s no pressure to rush. Take your time to explore the FAQs below and hear from others who once felt the same way.
We'll be here whenever you feel ready to take that first step.-
This meetup is for anyone grieving the loss of a beloved pet, whether your loss was recent or many years ago. You’re welcome at any stage of your grief.
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That’s OK. Most people come to their first meetup not knowing anyone. You’ll be warmly welcomed and introduced to the group, and everyone there understands something of what it’s like to lose a beloved pet and how lonely that grief can feel.
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That’s completely natural. Joining a new group can feel daunting, especially when you’re grieving. There’s no pressure to talk more than you’d like to, and many people tell us they feel at ease much sooner than they expected.
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That’s OK. Tears, laughter, memories and quiet moments are all welcome. You’ll be surrounded by people who understand, with no judgement and no expectation to feel or behave in a certain way.
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As much as we love dogs, we kindly ask that they aren’t brought to the meetup. For some grieving pet parents, being around other pets can be a painful reminder of their own loss, so this helps us keep the space comfortable for everyone.
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We’ll keep an eye on the weather in the days leading up to the meetup. If it’s too wet to walk or sit outside, we’ll adapt our plans and find somewhere cosy indoors, such as a café, so we can still spend time together. We’ll let everyone who has booked know about any changes beforehand.
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When you book, we’ll ask for your mobile number so we can add you to a temporary WhatsApp group for the meetup. This helps us stay in touch on the day, so you can easily let us know if you’re running late or having trouble finding the group.
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Whatever you feel comfortable in. We recommend dressing for the weather and wearing comfortable footwear suitable for walking.
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No. This is a peer support space where grieving pet parents can connect with others who understand pet loss and how lonely it can feel. It isn’t therapy, counselling or professional mental health support.
Frequently asked questions
If there’s anything else you’d like to know before coming along, please get in touch. I’m always happy to answer any questions.