Creative Conversations on Grief - Participant Information Leaflet
Welcome to Creative Conversations on Grief
We understand that grief is a unique and personal experience that can impact many areas of your life. We also recognise that there is no ‘right’ or universal way to grieve, your needs may be very different from someone else’s needs when it comes to grieving the loss of a
loved one.
This Information Leaflet is designed to give you an overview of ‘Creative Conversations on Grief’, a 6-week therapy group run by Brightside Psychology and Codsall Hive Creative Craft Café. The group is being funded by South Staffordshire Council so it is free for participants.
Before agreeing to attend the group it’s important that you read this information leaflet and decide whether the group feels like a helpful intervention for you at the current time.
About the Group
Whether your loss is recent or has occurred some time ago, grief can leave you feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, and isolated. This group is designed to offer a safe, compassionate and supportive space where you can explore your grief over six sessions.
The group is based upon a ‘remembering’ model. This means that it will involve talking about your loved one, their life, their strengths, qualities and values. The aim of the group is to explore how you can continue your connection to your loved one now that they’re
physically gone.
It’s important to weigh up whether you feel ready to talk about your loved one and the impact of the loss on you, and to hear other people’s stories of loss. It’s ok if you don’t feel able to do this, we can discuss other options of support with you.
Who Should Attend?
This group is for any adult over the age of 18 who is coping with the loss of a loved one and is living in the South Staffordshire area. It is open to individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
Before being offered a place on the group, you will need to attend a 15-minute screening telephone call with a member of the Brightside Psychology Team.
Because there are only 12 spaces available on the group, we do ask that you only sign up if you’re able to commit to attending all 6 sessions.
Group Details
Duration: 6 weekly sessions
Date and Time: Thursday evenings, 6.30 – 8pm, starting 6 th March 2025 (and 5 consecutive weeks thereafter)
Location: Codsall Hive Creative Craft Café, 17 Church Road, Codsall, WV8 1EA
Facilitators: The group will be led by Dr Sophie Gwinnett, Clinical Psychologist, Vicky Swann, Trainee Counsellor and members of the Codsall Hive team.
Format: Each session will include a creative activity guided by the Codsall Hive team (no artistic or creative flair is necessary!), whilst the Brightside Psychology team guide you through conversation topics relating to you and your loved one. You will also be given a journal and some journaling questions to complete each week in between the sessions.
What to Expect from the Group
Story Telling and Remembering: The group is a space for you to share stories about your loved one and to remember them. We encourage you to invite us to get to know them through you; their likes, dislikes, values and strengths. You are welcome to bring photos of your loved one to share with the group.
Connection to your Loved One: Over the 6 weeks, the sessions will explore how you can continue the connection and bond with your loved one moving forward, whilst acknowledging the pain of no longer having their physical presence in your life.
Emotional Expression: It’s completely normal to feel a range of emotions during this process. The group will provide a safe space to express these emotions freely and without judgment (we will bring plenty of tissues!)
Connection with Others: Grief can be isolating, but in this group you will connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Sharing your story and hearing from others can help you feel supported and less alone.
Session Breakdown
Week 1 – Who We Are, Who We Love: Introducing yourself and your loved one to the group. Agreeing group rules and introducing journaling.
Week 2 – Unpacking The Language of Grief: Exploring the helpful and unhelpful things that we’re told when grieving. Choosing your own narrative of grief.
Week 3 – The Heart of Who They Were: Exploring what you admired in your loved one. Their strengths, values and qualities, and how you can shine some of their light for others, moving forward.
Week 4 – Through Their Eyes: seeing yourself through your loved one’s eyes, reflecting on your own strengths, values and qualities
Week 5 – The Values that Guide Us: Tools for Tough TImes: Reflecting on their strengths and values, and what they loved in us, how can you cope with challenging times ahead as you continue to navigate loss?
Week 6 – Continuing Connections: finding ways to honour your loved one while continuing with life, folding their stories into your own story moving forward
Group Guidelines
To ensure a safe and supportive environment, we ask that all participants agree to the following:
- Respect each other’s privacy—what’s shared in the group stays in the group
- Arrive on time and commit to attending all sessions
- Be present and engaged during the sessions
- Share your experiences and listen to others with empathy and understanding
How to Join the Group
If you feel that the group is the right intervention for you, please contact Sophie at Brightside Psychology either via email at sophiegwinnett@brightsidepsychology.com, or via text on 07541 517168.
You will be asked to complete an intake form with a couple of brief questionnaires. We will repeat these questionnaires at the end of the group programme. This is essential for us to review the overall progress of the group and may influence us being able to attract further funding in the future for community group work.
Places will be issued on a first come, first served basis. We will also hold a small reserve list in case anybody changes their mind closer to the start date.
Additional Support
If you need individual therapy or additional resources during or after the group, we can discuss this with you.
If you would like to learn more about the work of Brightside Psychology, please visit www.brightsidepsychology.com
If you would like to learn more about the Codsall Hive Café, please visit www.codsallhive.co.uk
