When grief is hard to name: Sam’s experience
Posted on 28th April 2026
Grief counselling support does not always begin with a clear label. In fact, it can show up in many different ways. It may follow the loss of a pet, financial pressure, or other life changes. As a result, it can feel confusing and hard to talk about. For people managing complex challenges, timely support can make a real difference.
Through funding from Longleigh, Kaleidoscope Plus Group (KPG) continues to deliver grief counselling support to social housing residents. In the first two quarters of 2025, 79 people engaged with the service from 101 referrals. This represents a conversion rate of around 78%. In addition, nearly half of the individuals receiving support reported improved mood following their sessions. Scores typically improved by around 50%.
The service takes a person-centred approach, adapting communication and therapeutic tools to suit each individual. For people living with neurodiversity, financial stress, or bereavement, that flexibility makes all the difference.
Sam’s experience
When Sam* came to counselling, he was grieving the loss of his pet and felt stuck. Change was hard, and endings felt overwhelming. His counsellor adapted their approach to suit his communication needs and used the grief cycle to explore how loss can show up in different parts of life, not only bereavement but also moving home and changing jobs.
Over time, Sam felt heard and less alone. Grief takes time, but he left counselling with language for what he was experiencing and practical steps he could take when feelings became difficult to manage.
In his own words:
“I feel like someone understands my loss and doesn’t look down on me for it being just a pet.”
“I want to move forward… counselling is something I have enjoyed this time around.”
Free and tailored support
This counselling offer is part of Longleigh’s Circles of Support programme, which brings together financial and emotional wellbeing support for Stonewater customers.
KPG works across a wide range of mental health and wellbeing services, from community counselling to wider initiatives that promote inclusion, challenge stigma, and improve access to care. Their approach focuses on meeting people where they are, recognising that emotional wellbeing is shaped by many different parts of life.
Stonewater customers can be referred for counselling, with an initial assessment followed by one-to-one sessions designed around their needs.
To find out more about how Longleigh supports Stonewater customers visit our Circles of Support page.
*Names are changed and stock images are used to protect identities.
