If you've lost someone close to you and need some support a new group starting up in Bridport is just what you need.

It is said that due to the increase in the number of people dying over the past two years, specialist counselling services are overwhelmed by demand - so this new group is starting as a pilot scheme so people don't have to grieve alone.

Local mental health charity the Burrough Harmony Centre - Bridport's mental health hub - has launched the group in partnership with others to support people who have been bereaved.

The loneliness that bereavement may cause can lead a loved one to suffer from mental health problems such as anxiety and depression so it's important people experiencing grief get help and support.

Centre manager Carrie Gamble said: “There’s been such an increase in the number of bereaved people over the last two years that specialist bereavement counselling services are overwhelmed by demand and are not able to offer group and peer support at present.

"So we’ve set up this partnership to support local people experiencing grief and loss as an alternative to going to GP surgeries or trying to cope alone.

"We offer a welcoming, safe space where people can share and understand their emotions and feelings around their bereavement with others who are also experiencing grief and loss.”

The group provides holistic support from:

* Burrough Harmony Centre - practical knowledge of mental health and wellbeing

* Ammonite Health Partnership- activities and links to GPs

* A G Down, Funeral Directors- in-depth knowledge of funeral procedures

* Weldmar Hospicecare- support regarding end-of-life care

The group meets in Bridport at the Assembly Rooms, Gundry Lane, DT6 3RL on the second Monday of every month at 4pm. Access to the group is by self-referral and from other statutory and third sector/ community groups. A carer’s group has also recently started and is becoming very popular.

The six month pilot will allow the group to become established and, if number build, self-sustaining. For more information, telephone the Harmony Drop-in on 07597 379290.

To find out more about the Burrough Harmony Centre visit the website www.harmonydropin.org or see the Facebook page 'Harmony Mental Health Bridport Dorset'.