Our Bereavement Group
A safe, friendly space to spend time with others who have lost a loved one who loved the lads.
Monthly Bereavement Group
Our monthly Bereavement Groups are held at 15 Norfolk Street, in Sunderland City Centre.We offer a relaxed, cosy environment, where we welcome anyone who has lost a loved-one. Our group is run on a pre-booking basis, and is free for all attendees. We also supply the coffee, tea and biscuits.
SAFC – Forever In Our Hearts Bereavement Group
Losing someone you love is never easy, but being surrounded by people who truly understand can make the journey feel a little less lonely. Our group offers a space to remember and celebrate loved ones who shared a passion for Sunderland AFC. We recognise the unique bond that comes with being part of this club, and we’re here to provide a safe, supportive place to share stories, memories, and grief together.
By talking about those we’ve lost, we keep their spirit alive and strengthen our sense of community. For Sunderland fans, sharing memories of loved ones who also lived and breathed the club helps their legacy continue within the red‑and‑white family, offering comfort, connection, and healing through our shared love of Sunderland.
About our Groups
With support from The National Lottery and kind donations, we’re able to expand the specialist services we offer. Alongside our 1‑1 counselling—available in person and online—we run two dedicated bereavement support groups facilitated by Neurokind Counselling Therapies.
These groups offer a safe, compassionate space for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one. Led by qualified counsellors, they provide room to talk openly about experiences, emotions, and the challenges of grief.
We offer one daytime and one evening group. Each session may look a little different: some focus on open conversation, while others include gentle activities or invited speakers to support healing and reflection. At their heart, the groups aim to offer comfort, connection, and community for those finding their way through loss
About The Name
Our members voted for the name of the group which we believe genuinely represents the passion and dedication people have in their hearts for Sunderland. SAFC Forever In Our Hearts was the clear winner throughout the voting process and we believe it captures our love for our team and our commitment to supporting them not only in life but for eternity.
Our group logo was put to a vote by our members on Facebook, and we received an astounding 1,000 votes. The old ship design was a unanimous choice as it reminded everyone of our city’s rich shipbuilding heritage, the iconic bridges over the River. The logo was then made into our third branch pin badge.
Additional Services
Everyone’s grief is different, which is why our support is too. Thanks to fundraising, every level of support we offer is delivered by experienced, qualified counsellors, so you can access the care that best meets your needs 🤍
We offer daytime and evening bereavement groups for those who find comfort in shared experience. If group support isn’t right for you, our listening ear service offers one-to-one time with someone qualified and experienced to listen. If you feel that you need deeper support, we also offer one-to-one bereavement counselling.
It’s important to remember that our groups are a safe and respectful space for everyone to share their stories. To participate, everyone must treat each other with kindness and respect. This means refraining from any hurtful or insensitive comments and being mindful of the emotions of others. By creating a supportive environment, we can all feel comfortable sharing our experiences and finding solace in one another.
Below are the locations and dates of our support
Join Our Group
To enquire about our group, you can simply contact us by email or telephone.