When Words Are Not Enough: Creative Responses to Grief
Facilitators: Jane Harris & Jimmy Edmonds, Co Founders of The Good Grief Project
Description: Jane and Jimmy will discuss their own grief journey following the death of their son Joshua in 2011 to include the production of a number of documentary videos “A LOVE THAT NEVER DIES” (available via their website and Amazon Prime) which follows their road trip across the USA to meet six other families who have also lost a child or sibling), the creation of their Active Grief programme of weekend retreats, and the publication in 2022 of their grief handbook WHEN WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH – creative responses to grief.
Now available in the USA: https://a.co/d/cKsy8E7
‘When words are not Enough’ is a deeply personal reflection of grief in which the authors reflect on how the death of their son, has led to a creative response that is more than word bound. Echoed in contributions from 13 others also bereaved of a child, parent, a sibling or partner, the emphasis on continuing bonds underpins a variety of creative responses, including photography, painting, crafting, music, and even wild swimming, all of which demonstrate how a proactive and creative approach to grief helps to shape a future where the deceased still play a part even while physically absent, and that this is a normal and restorative aspect of the grieving process. Grief, they maintain, is almost by definition a creative process, one of filling the void left by the death of a loved one, of creating and doing new things that wouldn’t have existed unless they had died.
When: November 19, 7 – 8 PM ET
Where: Online via Zoom
Cost: FREE! Reserve your spot on Pinelawn’s Eventbrite Page.
Attendee Materials Needed: No Materials Needed
More about our Presenters:
Jane Harris is a psychotherapist, bereavement specialist and public speaker with a special interest in bereavement and grief.
Jimmy Edmonds is a photographer and documentary film editor with over 100 credits on TV productions including the BAFTA winning ‘Chosen’ for Channel 4 and his own personal film ‘Breaking the Silence’ for BBC 1.
Together they have created The Good Grief Project, and produced several films including Gerry’s Legacy, Beyond Goodbye, A Love That Never Dies, Say Their Name, and Beyond the Mask. They have two surviving children Joe (a Personal Trainer and coach ) and Rosa (film producer) both of whom are a huge part of the team delivering the Active Grief Weekend retreats.
The Good Grief Project has recently launched Grief-Fit, a new programme focusing on mental health, physical fitness and self-care. It is led by Josh’s brother Joe, himself an experienced and fully qualified physical trainer who facilitates the physical exercise sessions on our retreats.
**Upon registration, you will be sent a confirmation email. To access the online workshop, it is important to use the Eventbrite reminder emails (one will be sent the day of the event) and log into your Eventbrite account to access the online workshop. Although we use the Zoom platform, Eventbrite emails will grant you access to the Zoom meeting. You will not be sent a Zoom link.**
For questions, contact Christin Alexander, Community Outreach Coordinator, at calexander@pinelawn.com or 631.249.6100 x120.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this program is not intended to act as a substitute for any legal and mental health advice concerning individual situations; neither Pinelawn Memorial Park or COPE, its Board of Directors, staff and personnel shall be responsible for any outcomes arising from any information or exercises provided in this program.
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COPE is a nonprofit grief and healing organization dedicated to helping parents and families living with the loss of a child. COPE offers community support – if you need support, please reach out: 516-832-2673 info@copefoundation.org. For more information, visit www.copefoundation.org
Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum is a non-sectarian cemetery prided on creating and maintaining a tranquil and serene environment. With over 500 acres of land featuring flowing fountains, historic monuments, vibrant flowers, and impressive trees, the goal of Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum is to surround everyone who visits us in beauty so that we may bring peace even in the most trying of times.
For more information and invitations to Pinelawn’s free, educational events visit www.pinelawn.com/events