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Grief Network holding events to help bereaved

Trudi Harris
BBC News, West of England
Susan Nisbet Picture of Mel Dalton and Neil Croom smiling beside each other at a meeting of Grief Network. Mel is wearing a purple top and a purple scarf and Neil is wearing a dark-coloured T-shirt under a shirt.Susan Nisbet
Mel Dalton and friend Neil Croom set up Grief Network after they both suffered a series of losses

A "grief disco" is among a series of events planned by a group set up to help people cope with bereavement.

The Frome Grief Network was set up by Mel Dalton and her friend Neil Croom after they both suffered a series of difficult bereavements.

Grief Network is holding a series of events, including talks and the "grief disco" during the Frome 'Kindness Festival' that runs from 15 March until 22 March.

"Everyone experiences loss at some point in their lives and so many people are carrying their losses with them even when just walking down the street," said Ms Dalton.

Alison Murdoch Mel Dalton and Neil Croom presenting a talk on the different types of loss. They are standing either side of a desk and there is a screen on the wall behind them covered in words like "baby loss", "suicide", "dementia" and "physical illness". There is a laptop, a flask, a mug, a plate with food on it and various pens, pencils and paperwork on the desk.Alison Murdoch
Mel Dalton and Neil Croom often give talks to help those dealing with loss

She said she experienced losing a baby during pregnancy seven years ago which she described as "a very difficult time" in her life.

"It hit me so much harder than I could have imagined," Ms Dalton said.

"It felt very isolating.

"So many people talk about grieving and being brave enough to walk out the door and then they see people they know and they cross the street...

"People just don't know what to say."

The Frome Grief Network is holding a day of free talks on Saturday 15 March, a talking circle on Wednesday 19 March and a "grief disco" for £10 a person on Friday 21 March.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, help is available at BBC Action Line.

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