Charity, Poole | Posted on August 4th, 2026 | return to news

Three bereavement cafés for Poole

Forest Holme Hospice in partnership with Leonardo Friends has opened a third café in Sandbanks at Care South’s Marjorie House.

Forest Holme Hospice Charity is expanding its Bereavement Cafés, and they are now supported by Leonardo Carer Support through the Leonardo Friends scheme.

The charity has also partnered with Marjorie House, part of Care South, to open a third Bereavement Café at its Sandbanks location.

Hannah O’ Hare, CEO at Forest Holme Hospice Charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Leonardo Carer Support for supporting this important service through the Leonardo Friends scheme, and to Care South for partnering with us to host our newest café at Marjorie House. Together, we are making compassionate support more accessible to our local community.”

Bereavement Café provides a welcoming space for anyone living with loss. Open to everyone, regardless of whether their loved one received care from Forest Holme Hospice, visitors can talk, listen or simply enjoy a cup of tea with others who understand. Trained volunteers are also available to offer a listening ear and, where appropriate, signpost people to additional support.

The first Bereavement Café opened in 2024 at Lighthouse, Poole, before expanding to Colin’s Nest at Eagles Mount Care Home.

Leonardo Carer Support works to ensure unpaid carers across Dorset can access meaningful advice and support to achieve the quality of life they want, need and deserve.

Donna Blanche, CEO at Leonardo Carer Support, said: “For many family members, bereavement comes after months or even years of providing care and support for a loved one. The end of that caring role, alongside the loss itself, can be an incredibly difficult and isolating time.”

The Bereavement Cafés are free to attend and no referral is required.

For more information, including café dates and locations, visit www.forestholmehospice.org.uk/bereavement-cafe/