Grief in the Shadows: Supporting Unseen Losses

What happens when grief has nowhere to go? When no one is quite sure what to say – or perhaps says nothing at all?

Disenfranchised grief occurs when a loss isn't recognised or supported. It can be linked to deaths that are misunderstood or stigmatised (such as miscarriage, suicide and overdose) or to relationships that society doesn't always see (including same-sex partners, siblings, friends or pets). It's carried quietly and leaves people isolated.

Facilitated by Good Grief Festival Co-Director Dr Lesel Dawson, this panel brings together voices working with communities whose grief is too often overlooked. It will feature Octavia Landy from You Are Loved (which supports grieving LGBTQ+ people), Samantha Southern from Solace (which works with people bereaved by suicide), and a representative from Streetlife (which supports homeless young people facing loss and instability).

Together, they’ll explore how we can build communities and services that make space for every kind of loss.