Community Bereavement Groups See Rise in Attendance Across Neville Funerals’ Network

Local funeral provider Neville Funerals has reported a 16% year-on-year increase in attendance at its free bereavement support initiative, Talking Elephants, with 779 individuals attending 115 group sessions across 10 regional locations throughout 2025.

Launched in Luton in 2015, Talking Elephants is run by volunteers from within the Neville Funerals team and provides a safe, informal setting for anyone experiencing grief—regardless of when their bereavement occurred or whether they have used Neville Funerals’ services.

The sessions are held monthly in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire, and the most recent figures reflect growing local demand for consistent, community-based emotional support. The Dunstable group continues to see the highest regular attendance, followed closely by Shefford, while Hemel Hempstead recorded the biggest rise in numbers over the past year. The Luton branch also saw strong engagement with the successful introduction of its first weekend group, marking a full year of offering more flexible support for those unable to attend during the week.

The growing uptake underscores the real need for approachable, locally run grief support services—something that Neville Funerals has long prioritised as part of its wider commitment to community care.

James Witham, Area Funeral Manager at Neville Funerals and Talking Elephants volunteer, comments: “We see first-hand the impact that regular, supported bereavement groups can have. Our sessions are designed to provide a safe space for those experiencing the loss of a loved one. We are one of the only free, accessible bereavement support groups in our local area. We’ve made it our mission to spread the word of our sessions to try and reach more people in need of support during difficult points in their life.

“What’s so encouraging is the number of regular attendees who now help support and welcome new members. We know how difficult that first step can be, so it’s incredibly powerful to see peer support growing within the groups. These aren’t just sessions for recent bereavements—they’re open to anyone, at any stage of their grief journey.”

“Grief doesn’t follow a schedule, and access to support shouldn’t either. We created Talking Elephants to offer people a welcoming place to talk, connect, and feel supported—whenever they feel ready to do so. Over the years, it’s become a key part of how we give back to our communities.”

James continues: “There is no right or wrong time to join a bereavement support group, but if you or someone you know is struggling to navigate their grief, we encourage attendance.”