Successful first meet up for East Yorkshire loss support group

A new support group for people dealing with loss attracted around 100 people to its drop in launch event in Bishop Wilton.

Talking about Loss was set up by East Yorkshire farmer's daughter, Jacqui Gunn following the death of her father, Christopher Munby, as a peer led support group. Mrs Gunn, who lives in Shiptonthorpe, is delighted with the success of the first event: "When I set up Talking about Loss, I envisaged a warm and welcoming group of like-minded people meeting up to talk freely about loss and enjoying activities together, and the launch meet-up was everything I had hoped for, and more.

"Today's event was all about giving people a chance to meet up and to tell us what kinds of activities they would like to take part in. Thanks to contemporary artist, Mark Ibson; Black Beard Fieldcraft School; Ey Up Vintage; Free Spirit Flowers; JB Dressmakers, Keeping it Crafty and Jane Barham Reiki, people were able to chat about and sample some of the activities that will be available to the group going forward.

"Many of the people who came commented on what a lovely atmosphere there was, so that's really encouraging for future events. I also had lots of messages from people who couldn't make it, but asked to be kept in touch with our plans, so hopefully Talking about Loss will go from strength to strength."

Louiza Emmison travelled from Driffield for the meet up and was delighted that she had made the trip: "Congratulations to Jacqui for setting this up - it's a fantastic idea. I lost my dad 24 years ago and still miss him desperately. It's great to be able to talk to people who can understand your grief and I'm really looking forward to attending more events."

"Whether you have lost a parent, sibling, child, partner or a pet, having someone to talk to who knows what you're going through is a great comfort. I hope that Talking about Loss can help to ease the isolation and fear surrounding death and to provide a safe environment for people to share their experiences in the hope of helping both themselves and others. It's important to point out that we're not counsellors, but we have all experienced loss," Mrs Gunn concludes.

The next meet up takes place between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday, June 22^ndin Shiptonthorpe and is a Marie Curie giant tea party.

Ends

Photograph captions:

1.  Jacqui Gunn, brother James Munby and James' daughters Jacqui and the Munby Family

2.  Louiza Emmison, left and Janet Brader learn how to make a corsage with Jayne Fisher from Free Spirit Flowers Making corsages

3. Around 100 people attended the Talking about Loss launch event Around 100 people attended Talking about Loss

For more information or to arrange an interview with Jacqui Gunn, please contact

Tracey Baty at three60 marketing on;

Direct line:01430 871360

Mobile:07971 961574

E mail:traceybaty@three60marketing.co.uk

Web:www.three60marketing.co.uk

Notes to editors

1. For information about Talking about Loss, please visit www.talkingaboutloss.co.uk, www.facebook.com/Talking-about-Loss-689186821495950/, https://www.instagram.com/talking_about_loss/
2. Jacqui is also hosting a sponsored walk in July for British Heart Foundation.
3. The August Talking about Loss wellbeing café takes place on 10^th August and will feature a visit from the Purple Pig Company's mobile farm.
4. Other people who are interested in hosting activities, events and workshops for Take a Loss include Andrea Seaman, Wolds Wellbeing yoga and pilates; Twisted Earth ceramics; Hearing Dogs for the Deaf; Wicstun Vets and Adam Palmer who can conduct farm visits.