Bereavement groups are frequently the main source of available support for people who have experienced the pain of grief and loss. Finding support following a death is key to ensuring that the lives of those bereaved can be rebuilt. It is vitally important that this type of support is of the highest standard.

These new guidelines from members of the National Bereavement Alliance and the Support after Suicide Partnership are for individuals and organisations wishing to start a bereavement support group for adults. The main body of the guidelines is generic, addressing the practical issues of setting up a support group, whether peer facilitated or delivered by professionals. Separate sections covering specific types of bereavement support groups are also included.