A desire for community connections, in response to the isolation caused by a pandemic environment, is the driving force behind two events planned by Grief Support Services to coincide with Loss and Grief Awareness Week.

Launched in 2014 by Skylight Trust, the week (July 27 to 31) aims to help New Zealanders understand the challenging impact of loss and grief in all forms.

The past 12 months have seen many situations where people have had to grieve differently or have experienced different layers of complexity when coping with their grief and loss.

Jeanette Jones from Grief Support Services says, “Whether it’s going through illness alone without the support of overseas loved ones, being unable to travel to attend funerals, loss of income certainty, increased isolation or anxiety around the unknown, we want to support the wellbeing and resilience of individuals, families/whanau and communities.”

Grief Support Services have partnered with Elliotts Funeral Services to bring the events to the public in July.

There are two events on offer, both held at the new Elliotts Chapel on Cameron, 414 Cameron Road. On Thursday, July 29, 7pm, is A Time of Remembrance, an opportunity to come together to acknowledge bereavement and grief.

“This is a time for people to remember and honour those they have lost and to find some sense of healing in the face of their grief,” says Jeanette.

On Saturday July 31, from 9:30am to midday, Grief Support Services is hosting a Loss, Change & Possibility Seminar/Workshop. This looks at practical processes to support and guide you on your pathway of healing.

This will explore natural responses to change and loss, highlight the importance of connection and self-compassion and provide practical ideas on how to cope, adapt and move towards healing.

Bay Physiotherapy will be teaching aspects from the Bradcliffe breathing concept and Goldie Hamilton from Anxiety NZ will be leading a section on solutions to help calm and relax the mind.

“We want people to know that it’s ok to not be ok and to understand that everyone experiences grief and loss differently,” says Jeanette. “With these two events we are providing an opportunity to talk about grief and to let people know that it is possible to embrace change.”

Both events are open to all with any donations to Grief Support Services gratefully received. This service provides subsidised and professional grief and loss counselling and information across the socio-economic spectrum within the Western Bay of Plenty.

Catering for both events is being generously donated by Olive Tree Cottage.

Space for the Saturday seminar/workshop is strictly limited so registration is required. For all event information visit www.griefsupport.org.nz, find Grief Support Services on Facebook or phone 07 578 4480.

• Content supplied by Grief Support Services Tauranga. 

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