This paper addresses the specific needs of a minority group that historically have not had their grief needs acknowledged, addressed or accommodated: people with learning disabilities. Action research was initially used to introduce, and facilitate the development of, a bereavement counselling and support service designed specifically for people with learning disabilities and integrated into a well-established voluntary organization in North Staffordshire, England. The paper focuses upon a 12 month `snap-shot' of this service which incorporated a qualitative perspective, where focus groups were used to capture constructive feedback from the bereavement counsellors involved in the project. In addition, descriptive statistical data of the service are presented to corroborate the perceived needs and challenges of the bereaved individual who has learning disabilities. Specific characteristics of a bereavement service that can constructively accommodate the bereavement care needs of such a client group are identified.
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