Bereavement Through Addiction (BTA) is a South West-based charity that supports people whose loved ones have died as a result of addiction. In partnership with DHI, BTA runs monthly face-to-face peer group meetings in Bath. These sessions are free and open to anyone who needs support.
BTA is a peer-run group, led by Richard, Jenny and Lesley. It is facilitated by a qualified counsellor.
“It’s a safe space to share your feelings without judgement,” says Lesley. “We all have lived experience, so we understand what each other is going through.”
“The group is run by an experienced counsellor, which adds an extra level of support,” adds Richard.
“We’re a warm and welcoming group, and it’s a supportive environment,” agrees Jenny. “If someone is nervous about coming along, they can give one of us a call and we can arrange to meet or call separately beforehand.”
The stigma of losing someone to alcohol or drug addiction can often lead to isolation. But the members say that because they understand the challenges of addiction, sharing their experiences together helps them make sense of what has happened.
“It’s a place to talk about your loved one,” says Lesley. “Often we’ll share fond recollections of the people we’ve lost, as well as work through difficult feelings.”
The support group meets on the first Tuesday of every month, from 6.30–7.45 pm at DHI’s offices, 14 St James Parade, Bath, BA1 1UL. The next meeting is on Tuesday 2 December.
If you’d like to come along, please email bereavementthroughaddiction@gmail.com or call 01225 478730
BTA also co-sponsor the annual Celebration of Life service held at St James Priory, Bristol in conjunction with Bristol Drugs Project (BDP). This is a non-religious remembrance of those we have lost through addiction. The next service will be on Saturday 29 November 2025.
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