Rainbow Fund supports SWITCHBOARD in developing a new and essential initiative – Grief Encounters.
GRIEF Encounters is a pilot project that aims to support LGBT+ people who have experienced a bereavement.
In addition to the universal experiences of grief, pain and distress, LGBT+ people face other barriers and stressors in bereavement including homophobia (trans/bi/queerphobia), failure to acknowledge our relationships, estrangement from our families, legal and financial issues, being excluded from discussions and decision being made by family members and health care professionals.
There is currently no LGBT+ specific service for those experiencing a bereavement. In the New Year Switchboard is planning to start the setup of a peer support group providing an exclusive and dedicated space to explore our grief.
It is really important that the specific needs of the LGBT+ communities are voiced so that we can receive the best and most appropriate support.
Switchboard are keen to talk further to anyone wanting to share their experiences, thoughts and ideas. Also if you would like to be on their mailing list to receive updates about further developments of this project. phone Switchboard Office on 01273 234009 to speak to or leave a message for Jackie, Switchboard’s new Grief Encounters Development Worker or email her on jackie.engelberg@switchboard.org.uk