Intentional Grief: Review of September’s Active Grief Weekend

Ben Melbourne wanted to meet other like minded people who were proactive with the grief. 

Along with his mother Jane, he was one of 16 bereaved parents and siblings who joined us on last month’s Active Grief Weekend retreat. 

Ben’s brother Jake had taken his own life in August 2023, shortly after Jake’s partner Jess had died from cancer. 

The weekends are exclusive to bereaved parents and siblings and are structured around the three two hour workshops – photography, creative writing and physical exercise. 

For many the highlight of the ‘active’ session, is the pad boxing and  the way it helps us release some of the more uncomfortable emotions our grief will bring up. 

"I got in touch with my grief which had depths I’d not experienced – so precious to share my son’s life – something I’ve wanted to do but never had the chance."

But it’s the meal times and the in between times where those important conversations can happen as we share our memories and how we are coping with the trauma that has affected all our lives. 

For some this was to be the first time they’ve been in such exclusive company, that club that no one wants to join. For others, it’s a special release from having to hide their feelings from a society that can be so fearful of engaging with us.

Our next ACTIVE GRIEF WEEKENDS  are:
 

9th – 11th May 2025
19th – 21st September 2025

both at Blackadon Farm on Dartmoor

What the workshops do provide, though, is a structure in which we can explore those feelings in a more substantive way.
 
An ongoing theme is how we articulate our continuing relationship with our children.  By making new photographs and new writings, we are creating new memories that contain their spirit and represent the way we grieve for them. 
 
In this sense we are what Francis Weller calls “carriers of their unfinished stories.” 

"I leave feeling lighter and not just happier but HAPPY.’"

Check out these images created as part of the photography workshop:

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We have developed a number of workshops, courses and weekend retreats all designed to help you to manage and express your grief in ways that are both active and true to you.

Our next retreats are

9th – 11th May 2025

19th – 21st September 2025

Blackadon Farm, 

Nr Ivybridge Dartmoor

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A self-care programme designed exclusively for bereaved parents and siblings and focusing on your mental health and physical fitness.

Next cohort starts 30th December 2024