Time to talk about death and loss – Good Grief Weston film launched
29 November 2024
As Kim Leadbeater’s Bill on Assisted Dying enters debate in the Commons, it’s a timely moment to reflect on our attitudes to death and bereavement. 59% of adults in the UK believe society still doesn’t talk enough about death and dying (Ref 1), and many of us are unsure how to support someone who’s been bereaved (Ref 2).
Last month’s ‘Good Grief Weston’: a Festival of Love and Loss, produced by Super Culture in collaboration with the University of Bristol and the Weston-super-Mare Community network, provided just such an opportunity. A new film about the festival featuring people who took part as well as experts on death and grief, such as Julia Samuel MBE and Dr Rachel Clarke, is launched today [29 November].
Professor Lucy Selman from the University of Bristol, explained: “We started Good Grief Festival to provide opportunities for people to come together and talk, reflect and learn about grief and death. Through normalising and presenting different perspectives on these subjects, we hope to encourage connection and reduce social isolation towards the end of life and in bereavement.”
‘Good Grief Weston’ featured over 30 events across North Somerset, gently engaging people of all ages and walks of life in a creative programme designed to open up inclusive conversations.
The diverse programme offered multiple touchpoints, with content including immersive theatre, music, film, book clubs, gardening, cooking, talks from health professionals, creative offers in the high street, bespoke activities at Weston General Hospital and a public discussion on assisted dying involving Dan Aldridge, MP for Weston-super-Mare.
Mr Aldridge, said: “As part of the Good Grief Weston festival, I hosted a consultation event at Weston Museum about assisted dying in partnership with Weston Hospicecare, where many people from all walks of life shared a range of poignant and heartfelt stories and viewpoints.
“We heard from those providing compassionate end of life care, to individuals with terminal illness and families who have faced difficult final moments with their loved ones.
“The debate surrounding assisted dying is one of the most challenging issues we face as a society, touching on deeply held beliefs about life, death and human dignity. Good Grief Weston highlighted how creative events can frame a non-judgemental space to talk about these difficult and emotionally charged social issues.”
Vitally, the Festival both encourages reflection and conversation about grief and death while connecting people to support networks and community resources where they live. Weston Hospicecare partnered with ‘Good Grief Weston’ by providing ‘Listening Ears’, ensuring safe spaces at each event. Hospice Director of Patient Services John Bailey is passionate about the need for more open discussion about death and dying, so that people feel more empowered to make informed choices at difficult points in their lives.
John said: “Why is it we find it so difficult to talk to each other about what worries we have about dying and those left behind? Good Grief Weston events, including the discussion on assisted dying, has helped people to feel empowered and confident to talk about death, to ask questions of each other, and to listen and address what we and our loved ones would like to happen when death comes and in bereavement.”
As the renewed debate on assisted dying brings conversations around death and bereavement to the fore, let’s take the opportunity to examine our existing systems, beliefs and attitudes so that we can all make informed choices and live more connected and compassionate lives.
Beyond the festival, ongoing events throughout the year keep the conversation rolling. Coming up during national Grief Awareness Week (Dec 2 – 8) is Solène Weinachter’s dance piece ‘After All’, which is paired with a grief cafe event. Tickets and more information are here.
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