Good Grief Support - for residents of Waltham Forest
We have received funding from the London Borough of Waltham Forest to run a series of grief support activities in the borough between February and June 2024.
We are running a mixture of Good Grief Cafes and Understanding Grief talks.
These are open to Waltham Forest residents aged over 18 and adult users of Waltham Forest Health and Care services.
All the activities are FREE to attend and refreshments will be provided.
Good Grief Cafes
Our Good Grief Cafes are an informal and supportive place where people can come together to share and discuss their experiences of grief and loss, and connect with others who understand.
We know that grief can, at times, feel isolating so attending a Grief Cafe and sharing experiences and feelings with others can help reduce feelings of loneliness.
Also, hearing diverse stories and perspectives on grief can help us make sense of our own loss and grief. We might learn new or different coping strategies and ways of navigating the grieving process.
At our Grief Cafes we sit in small groups so it’s easy to talk, or just listen, and each group has a ‘table host’ to ensure everyone is able to participate in the way they wish to.
It’s important to note that our grief cafes aren’t therapy or educational sessions. They’re simply places for people to gather, share, listen, and support each other.
Whatever your loss, and whether this is anticipated, recent or a long time ago, everyone is welcome.
“It was really useful to come to a space and talk about my feelings and hear other people’s experiences and stories. It can be scary but trust that this space will make you feel welcome and you are in the same position as everyone else. It’s definitely worth coming. I’m glad I did.” Good Grief Cafe participant.
Dates: Every third Saturday of the month, 2.45-5pm between Feb and June 2024
Venue: East of Eden Cafe, 14 Hatherley Mews, Walthamstow, E17 4QP
Booking information: Places are limited so booking is required. See below for dates and times.
Understanding Grief talks
We’re presenting our Understanding Grief talks in collaboration with Waltham Forest Mental Health and Wellness Team (NELFT NHS Foundation Trust).
The talks will provide information about grief and the grieving process to dispel some of the common myths and misconceptions that surround grief. We will also discuss the various ways that grief can affect us and explore coping strategies to look after ourselves and to support others.
It will be an interactive session but there will be no expectation that you have to participate – you are very welcome to just come along and listen.
The talk will last 1.5 hours and then there will be 30 mins at the end for those that would like to stay for a drink and a chat. This will be an opportunity to meet other local residents who are grieving and who may share similar experiences.
Dates: tbc
Venue: Walthamstow Library, High Street, Walthamstow, E17 7JN
Booking information: Booking is not required, you can turn up on the day, but if you are able to book that would be very helpful as it will help us with our planning. See below for dates and times.
May
18
Jun
15
