Grief Encounters is a peer support group for LGBTQ people who have experienced a bereavement.
There is currently no LGBTQ specific service for those of us who have been bereaved. Many LGBTQ people face a number of additional challenges when it comes to bereavement, in addition to universal experiences of grief, pain and sadness. This can include LGBTQ discrimination, a failure to acknowledge our relationships, estrangement from our families, legal and financial issues, and exclusion from discussions and decisions made by family members and health care professionals.
In response to this situation, Switchboard is piloting a new and essential initiative, Grief Encounters. This project, which has been supported by the Rainbow Fund, is a peer support group for LGBTQ people who have experienced a bereavement.
Grief Encounters will provide an exclusive and dedicated space to explore our grief. The group will be run by experienced LGBTQ practitioners and will provide a confidential, safe and supportive space for LGBTQ people to:
- Meet with other LGBTQ people who have experienced a bereavement
- Use our shared experiences and identities to give and receive support
- Explore a range of diverse and challenging feelings
- Share coping strategies especially in respect of our possible sense of loneliness and isolation
Details of Group
Where: Possability Place, 14 Windlesham Avenue Brighton BN1 3AH
When: Monday 11th March 2019 for 6 weeks ending on Monday 15th April 2019
Time: 7.00-8.30 pm
Interested?
If you are interested in finding out more or attending this peer support group phone Switchboard Office on 01273 234009 to speak to or leave a message for Jackie, Switchboard’s Grief Encounters Development Worker, or email her on [email protected].
Switchboard will send you a short questionnaire to complete before inviting you to attend an initial meeting to further discuss your involvement in the group.
Grief Encounters is supported by funding from the Rainbow Fund.
