Hundreds of people from south London will gather at St Christopher’s hospice in Sydenham this weekend to commemorate loved ones and kick off National Grief Awareness Week. The event will feature performances by students from the Brit School, an act of remembrance, the lighting of a remembrance tree, and speeches from hospice staff.
Among the attendees is seven-year-old Jaheem, who found solace in the charity’s Candle Child Bereavement Service after losing his younger sister, Jahniyah, last year. Jaheem shared his feelings about his sister and the support he received, emphasizing the importance of being able to talk about his grief openly.
Jaheem’s mother, Samantha, expressed gratitude for the support they received during such a challenging time. She highlighted the significance of having a safe space for Jaheem to express himself and process his emotions while dealing with the loss of his sister and the arrival of a new sibling.
The event at St Christopher’s hospice aims to provide comfort and support to families like Samantha and Jaheem’s, offering a space for remembrance and reflection during the holiday season when feelings of loss can be particularly intense. Rev Dr Andrew Goodhead emphasized the importance of honoring memories and coming together as a community to light up the night sky in tribute to loved ones.
In addition to the event at St Christopher’s, Samantha and Jaheem will be participating in a special remembrance event tailored for young people. These initiatives underscore the importance of providing age-appropriate support and resources for individuals of all ages dealing with grief and loss.
As National Grief Awareness Week unfolds, it serves as a poignant reminder of the power of collective remembrance and the healing process that can come from sharing stories and memories of those we have lost. The event at St Christopher’s hospice is just one example of the many ways communities can come together to support each other through times of grief and mourning.
