Grief Talks - Moments that Matter

August is the month that is home to 'Dying to Know Day', an annual campaign that empowers all adult Australians to be strong self-advocates for their planning regarding their future, including their passing.

It's a concept many of us don't like to think or talk about; however, a rapidly growing community across Australia is realising the importance of acknowledging and talking about...our mortality. Katrina Weller, Founder of 'Grow with Grief' and Cheryl Lardner, Co-founder of 'Wishkeeper' are advocates in this space based on their own lived experiences with grief and loss.

Founder of Grow with Grief, Katrina experienced significant loss at the tender age of 15 when her Mum, Greta, passed away from Cancer. While Cheryl, Co-founder of Wishkeeper, had sailed through life avoiding loss until 2013, when her Mum Barbara died after several years of aggressive dementia.

Katrina and Cheryl have harnessed the overwhelming heaviness of grief and directed it into helping others through their businesses.

Designed to empower and give peace of mind, Wishkeeper is an innovative and intimate digital platform for future and end-of-life planning. As described by users, it’s a resource that has deepened their connection with loved ones and enabled them to have more meaningful conversations.

Grow with Grief, is changing the way we talk about grief. Described as your dedicated 'grief buddies', Katrina works with schools, companies and individuals across Victoria to normalise conversations around grief and provide evidence-based strategies through workshops.

As part of 'Dying to Know Day', these Hobson Bay locals are joining forces to bring the community together for a two-hour free workshop to honour people loved and lost on Sunday, August 27th, from 10:30am.

"Katrina and I both understand that grief looks different for each person, and there are no rules about how you should feel, when you should feel it and how long it should last. Living with loss can be an isolating experience, yet it doesn't need to be. Talking or simply being with others experiencing loss can profoundly impact our journeys." says Ms Lardner.

Ms Weller adds, "We are not taught how to handle loss of any kind unless our parents take the lead with these conversations when we're young. Often this is not the case, so when we face loss, we don't know what to do or how to be. This can have a huge impact on our mental health for many years. We're here to change that."

Both Ms Lardner and Ms Weller say, "Don't expect doom and gloom, this free community event is designed to keep your spirits lifted while holding space to share memories and connect with other bereaved people."

The event will also feature two guest speakers, Alexandra Hamilton, Co-founder of River’s Gift and CEO of The Compassionate Friends Victoria and Jonelle Colabufalo, Co-founder & CEO of The Jared Dunscombe Foundation. Added to this, you'll enjoy the art of making a memory jar, relax through a guided meditation and feel how the power of music can soothe the grieving soul.