Living with Loss Grief Support Project

Hi, my name is Abi May and I've been running the "Living with Loss" grief support project here in the UK since it began in 2016. Since then I've run around 30 retreats and workshops, led Zoom sessions for small groups and one-to-one, produced dozens of pages of supportive materials, run "Grief Companion" online training, and hosted a blog and website with around 300 articles written.

The purpose behind it all is very clear: To provide support for those who are struggling with their grief, just as I struggled following the deaths of my beautiful children Pax (1979-1982) and Catherine (1980-2011).

"Living with Loss" (LWL) has a Christian ethos, but is not limited: We support those who are grieving no matter their background, creed, ethnicity, religion or any other difference.

LWL is not a registered charity but a simple project that reaches out with kindness, grief awareness, friendship and good grief resources to those who can benefit. To get an idea of my work in person, see my interview on BBC Songs of Praise in January 2023

Until now I've been assisted in running LWL by my husband John, but his 2022 cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatment have meant that he is not available. Fortunately, other people have started helping. I can't do all of this alone!

And this is the reason for the fundraiser. The LWL project has always 'paid its way' and thankfully received the occasional gift from well-wishers. Now that LWL is expanding, our needs are growing too.

The funds from this Fundraiser will go towards our operating and some living expenses for our team for the coming year, enabling us to have the time and resources to continue running retreats, Zoom sessions and other events, and all of the other things we're doing under the LWL umbrella.

I also hope to revise and reprint "A Valley Journal", my book that was the start of my bereavement support journey.

Can you help?

www.livingwithloss.co.uk

www.avalleyjournal.co.uk

PS. The cups on the cover are a feature of Living with Loss events. Each cup is different, representing how each person is in some way unique. Participants choose one cup and take it home with them, as a reminder to be kind to themselves.

Craft activities at our events

Candlelighting remembrance is a highlight for many participants

Abi (left) with presenter Rev. Kate Bottley during the BBC Songs of Praise recording

LWL Pilgrimage Walk - a special event - Durham, June 2022

Creative activities and discussion groups during events

"A Valley Journal" - paperback and hardback versions, first published in 2014. I would like to do a thorough update and reprint.