Aleeza attended the Big Midlands Grief Meet Up, held in Coventry in April 2024. Here, she shares how the event supported her on her grief journey and helped her feel less alone.
“Events like this and groups like Let’s Talk About Loss are a lifeline for people like me dealing with grief” – Aleeza
Aleeza: “I recently attended the Big Midlands Grief Meet Up in Coventry, hosted by Let’s Talk About Loss. I am a young individual who recently suffered the loss of two close family members, with my mother being the most recent. Grief is painful, lonely, and an isolating experience. It is something you can’t truly understand unless you’ve been through it yourself.
“Before now, I found myself struggling to access the support I needed and wanted, despite actively searching on the internet. The long waiting lists and scarcity of grief support groups in my area only deepened my sense of loneliness and overwhelmed me further. When I came across the event, it felt like I had finally overcome a significant barrier.
“From the moment I walked into the event, I felt a sense of understanding and validation for my grief, rather than the sense of pity that is often encountered instead. This was unexpected, but so comforting. The meet up provided a safe space where we could openly share our pain without fear of judgement.”
Aleeza: “Throughout the day, we heard from various speakers who shared stories of resilience amid loss, which offers hope. They not only highlighted healthier coping mechanisms but also showed us that the unhealthy ones don’t really help us heal. As someone who has struggled and continues to struggle with their mental health due to grief, events like this one are invaluable for finding support and understanding.
“Being surrounded by people who understood was such a relief. Events like this and groups like Let’s Talk About Loss are a lifeline for people like me dealing with grief, as not everyone is quite as understanding.
“Through connecting with others and sharing our experiences, I was reminded that I am not alone in my grief and I had some space for the perspective that I had lost. I am so grateful for events like these. I cannot emphasise enough how comfort in shared grief can make a huge difference. It also shows how crucial accessible support networks are for people like me who have experienced loss.”
It’s thanks to our generous supporters that we are able to put on events like the Big Midlands Grief Meet Up, and support young grievers like Aleeza to feel less alone in their grief. A small donation today can help us put on more of these events.
