Brandon Trust has opened its first grief cafe, called the Listening Lounge, for autistic people and people with learning disabilities to find out more about death and dying.
The idea of the cafe is to encourage people to discuss their feelings and share their personal experiences around grief and the loss of loved ones.
What happens at the Listening Lounge?
There is a stigma surrounding death and conversations about this inevitable part of life can be really difficult, especially for autistic people and people with a learning disability.
The Listening Lounge provides a safe and inclusive space where topics related to death, such as illnesses and grief, can be explored in a way that meets the specific needs of the people we support.
People who pop in can expect a warm welcome with a specific activity planned each week. Participants can join in if they wish, or simply have a cup of tea or coffee, biscuit or cake, and a chat.
Why has Brandon set up a grief cafe?
We know that the people we support experience grief and loss, however, during the research phase of our Lindi-Lou project, we discovered that there is currently not enough information available for autistic people and people with learning disabilities to be able to explore their feelings and emotions.
This can lead to them bottling up their emotions, feeling they have no one to talk to and as a result, can lead to behaviours which may be a concern.
How will a grief cafe support autistic people and people with learning disabilities?
Following consultation with The Adventurers, we have designed the cafe to be inclusive and accessible. The people we support at Brandon who choose to attend a session at the Listening Lounge will first be presented with a short video on each venue, so they can familiarise themselves with where the grief cafe will take place.
An activity is organised for every session that people can chose to take part in if they wish.
There are many activities that can help with loss that do not need to happen at the grief cafe, such as:
- Painting
- Talking to a trusted individual
- Writing a journal
- Baking or cooking
- Enjoying the outdoors
- Making a memory box
- Gardening
- Listening to music or watching your favourite film
Why is grieving so important?
Grief is a natural process that all of us will experience at some point during our lives, but it’s important that people know where to go for support.
Grieving can help us explore lots of feelings, such as sadness and loss, enabling us to adjust to life after losing someone but also, it can help us to recall fond memories of those closest to us.
The grieving process is different for everyone, so we ensure that our grief cafe incorporates a variety of different ways that will suit everyone.
What are some examples of grief and loss?
- Losing your favourite support worker
- Losing a pet
- Losing/grieving over a family member or friend
- Grieving over a housemate who has passed away
- Losing your confidence
- Being diagnosed with an illness and coming to terms with death
Remember, it’s okay to talk, find support
The grief cafes are happening once a month for people supported by Brandon, in Redruth and St. Austell, Cornwall, with days and timings in trial at the moment.
