Name: Grief Cafe in Wanstead
Start: 2026-12-17T18:30:00+00:00
End: 2026-12-17T20:30:00+00:00
Location: Wanstead Library

Grief Support - Grief Cafes and Grief Awareness Talks

Our activities are open to those aged 18 and over and are FREE to attend.

Grief Cafes – Walthamstow and Wanstead

“I just attended for the first time not knowing what to expect. It felt like a warm hug. So great just to have the space to talk”. Grief Cafe Participant

Our Grief Cafes are an informal and supportive place where people can come together to share and discuss their experiences of grief and loss, and connect with others who understand.

We know that grief can, at times, feel isolating so attending a Grief Cafe and sharing experiences and feelings with others can help reduce feelings of loneliness.

Also, hearing diverse stories and perspectives on grief can help us make sense of our own loss and grief. We might learn new or different coping strategies and ways of navigating the grieving process.

It’s important to note that our Grief Cafes are not therapy or educational sessions. They are simply places for people to gather, share, listen, and support each other.

What Happens At A Grief Cafe?

We know that coming along to something new, particularly when you’re grieving, can feel daunting. There’s no pressure to talk or share. You can take part in the conversation in whatever way feels right for you, or simply listen.

If you’re thinking about coming to our Grief Cafe but feel a little unsure about what to expect, we’ve made a short video to give you a sense of what happens.

Watch the video below before you attend:

Whatever your loss, and whether this is anticipated, recent or a long time ago, everyone is welcome.

“It was really useful to come to a space and talk about my feelings and hear other people’s experiences and stories. It can be scary but trust that this space will make you feel welcome and you are in the same position as everyone else. It’s definitely worth coming. I’m glad I did.” Grief Cafe participant.

Walthamstow Grief Cafes

These are open to everyone.

Dates: TBC. This Grief Cafe has been paused while we seek further funding. Check back soon!

Venue: East of Eden Cafe, 14 Hatherley Mews, Walthamstow, E17 4QP

Booking information: Places are limited so booking is required. See below for dates, times and to book your place.

Wanstead Grief Cafes

These are open to residents of Redbridge and those with a Redbridge GP.

Dates: Every third Thursday of the month at 6.30-8.30pm. (See below for dates)

Venue: Wanstead Library, Spratt Hall Road, Wanstead, E11 2RQ

Booking information: Places are limited so booking is required. Book your place here.

Grief Awareness talks

Over the last few years at our Grief Cafes, so many thoughtful conversations have emerged, about the different ways grief shows up, and the things that can feel hard to talk about.

Thanks to funding from MuchLoved, we’re offering a series of Grief Talks, each one exploring a different aspect of grief that has emerged from these conversations.

Each session will include a short presentation from a guest speaker, followed by small group discussions in a grief cafe style. These discussions are gently facilitated and offer space to reflect, listen, and (if you want to) share.

There is no pressure to speak or participate — you’re very welcome to simply come and listen.

We’re still finalising some of the details, but the planned sessions are as follows:

Topic: LGBTQ+ Grief

Date: Wednesday 23rd September 2026, 6.30-8.15pm

Venue: The Mill, 7-11 Coppermill Lane, Walthamstow E17 7HA

Booking information: Places are limited so booking is required. Book your place here.

Topic: Basic Grief Awareness

Date: Thursday 3rd December 2026, 1.30-4.30pm

Venue: Whipps Cross Hospital, The Margaret Centre, Leytonstone E11 1NR

Booking information: Places are limited so booking is required. Book your place here.

Sep 17

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm