Walks and Talks with The Loss Foundation

22 April 2026 — lia-rogers

In today’s blog, Emma Rafferty tells us more about the walking and talking service run by The Loss Foundation, supporting people bereaved by cancer.

The Loss Foundation has developed its nationwide ‘Walk & Talk’ events as a gentle, accessible way to help people navigate grief together. Founded in 2010 by Dr Erin Thompson MBE after the loss of her father, the charity was built on the understanding that grief can feel isolating – and that connection with others who truly understand can be a powerful source of comfort.

The idea behind Walk & Talk is simple but effective. Walking side by side in nature can make difficult conversations feel less intense than sitting face-to-face. It creates a more relaxed environment where people can open up at their own pace – or choose not to speak at all. There is no pressure to share. Some attendees come to listen, reflect, or simply be in the presence of others who understand their experience. This flexibility is key, recognising that grief looks different for everyone and can change from day to day.

Since launching, these walks have become the charity’s fastest-growing service, taking place across the UK in locations such as London, Liverpool, Devon, Yorkshire, Oxford, Hampshire and Hertfordshire. It has been amazing to see the growth of our Walk and Talks across the UK as we know that accessing grief support can be a postcode lottery.

Each walk is led by a friendly host who has themselves been bereaved by cancer, helping to create a welcoming, empathetic space where participants feel understood from the outset.

The Walk & Talk events are open to anyone aged 18 or over who has lost someone they care about to cancer. Registration is free, reflecting The Loss Foundation’s commitment to making support accessible to all. You can visit The Loss Foundation’s website to see details for our latest walks and this is where you can sign up. 

It can be nerve wracking to attend an event for the first time. On average people think about attending a Loss Foundation event for 6 months to a year. We hear that the biggest step is registering/showing up. 

https://thelossfoundation.org/how-we-can-help/get-support/walkandtalks/

Ultimately, our walks are  about taking small steps through grief – both physically and emotionally – alongside others who “get it.” It offers a compassionate reminder that no one has to face loss alone, and that even in the most difficult times, connection and understanding can make a meaningful difference.

Our next walks will be in London, Devon and again in London. You can sign up for our newsletter for all of our latest scheduled walks. 

Walk and Talk attendee quotes

“It was calm and there weren’t any expectations. It was a beautiful walk.”

“Thank you so much for introducing me to others who get it.”

“Honestly, the best grief event I have ever attended.”

“It was being on one of your walks that allowed me to make space for my grief, for the first time.”

FAQS

Can anyone take part?

Our walks are open to any adult who has had a loved one die from cancer. The aim is to give you space to meet and talk with others who have experienced a similar loss, which our users tell us they find extremely helpful.

Do I need to be a professional walker?

Definitely not. The event is about being together, spending time with others who have experienced similar things, and being outdoors. It’s not about being fit or racing.

Will I have to talk?

No. The space is there for you to use it as you need on the day. One of our friendly hosts will be walking alongside you & they understand that not everyone may feel like speaking, and there is never any pressure to do so.

Can I bring someone with me?

Please note that we do not allow guests unless you let us know in advance (we cap the number of attendees for each walk so it’s not too crowded). Pets & children are also unable to attend.

What role does the host play?

During the walks, our hosts play a vital role in creating a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. They are there to greet you upon arrival, lead the group along the route, and facilitate conversations among participants.

Can I attend at any point during my loss?

Yes, we welcome attendees regardless of where they are in their bereavement experience.

We also offer:

Support Groups – Online bereavement groups for sharing stories and experiences 

Connect – Matching together two individuals with a similar loss to share their experiences to form a mutually supportive, meaningful connection and friendship 

Therapy Groups – 12-week bereavement therapy led by Clinical Psychologists 

Grief Workshops – Focused sessions addressing common grief-related challenges 

Retreats– Weekend retreat combining therapy and peer support